Current AMTA News

BOATING SEASON 2017!May 19th 2017Have a great long weekend

Day on the HillAMTA's Executive Director Pat Nelder took part in the 5th Annual Day on the Hill in Ottawa on May 8th, an event made possible by NMMA Canada. Day on the Hill is a gathering of leaders from all sectors of the Canadian recreational boating industry on Parliament Hill to advocate on behalf of the industry’s 4,792 Canadian marine companies. The annual legislative event provides the marine industry an opportunity to communicate with Parliamentarians on key issues impacting recreational boating.

Key finding of the study are:• The core recreational boating industry was directly and indirectly responsible for $10 billion in revenues in 2016, a 12.4% increase from 2012• Those revenues contributed $5.6 billion to Canada’s GDP in 2016, a 12% increase from 2012• The core recreational boating industry supports approximately 75,000 jobs, generating $2.9 billion in annual salaries and wages, an 11.5% increase from 2012• The economic activity supported by the core recreational boating industry contributes $868 million in annual taxes and subsidies to Canada’s economy, a12.1% increase from 2012• Forty-three per cent of Canadians went boating in 2016• Canadians own approximately 8.6 million boats

AMTA members can contact the AMTA office for their copy of the study 877-595-2682 or email info@boatinginatlanticcnada.com

Safe Boating Awareness week May 20th - 26th, 2017Safe Boating awareness week starts tomorrow.Please pass on to your boating clients the following key messages courtesy of the Canadian Safe Boating Council:Wear a PFD or LifejacketDon’t Drink & BoatTake a Boating CourseBe Prepared, Both You and Your VesselBe Wary of the Dangers of Cold Water ImmersionMore information is available at http://csbc.ca/en/safe-boating-awareness-week

Flare Disposal in the Maritimes: Canadian Power and Sail SquadronsCPS-ECP has a partnership with Transport Canada and CIL Dealers to undertake a project on education and awareness of safety equipment, the care and maintenance of that equipment and how to safely and effectively use and dispose of flares.If your flares have a manufacture date of 2013 or earlier they have or will expire this year. You can't light them, throw them in the water or in your household garbage to dispose of them. Disposing of expired flares has been an ongoing dilemma for boaters across the country. To help boaters dispose of expired flares in a safe and environmentally responsible manner CPS-ECP and selected CIL Dealers are hosting Safety Equipment Education and Flare Disposal Days. On these days, you will be offered the opportunity to learn about required safety equipment and you can bring your outdated flares to be properly disposed of, free of charge.

The list of flares that can be accepted is here: https://www.cps-ecp.ca/public/PublicUploads/242050EN-Flareacceptable.pdfFor more information please visit https://www.cps-ecp.ca/public/public.asp?WCE=C=47|K=240853|RefreshT=240864|RefreshS=LeftNav|RefreshD=2408647

Halifax Harbour 2017Every year. Sail Nova Scotia hosts a meeting of the Halifax Port Authority, representatives from the Canadian Navy, Halifax Police Service, Waterfront Development, CHS and the Yacht Clubs serving the recreational boating public in Halifax Harbour. This year's meeting had presentations by the Port of Halifax Pilots, by Waterfront Development about the Tall Ships and provided updates from all attendees.The Port will be very busy in the summer of 2017, not only are sections of the shoreline under construction, but the Port will be hosting 173 Cruise Ships this year, Canada 150 celebrations, the 2017 Tall Ships and many Yacht Club events.The Halifax Pilots request the following:All vessels including recreational boats must not impede the passage of large commercial vessels or naval vessels within the waters of the PortAll vessels including recreational boats should monitor Channel 12 when operating within the PortThe Pilots say that their visibility when operating large ships is very limited so do not assume that they can see smaller vessels that are within 500 metres of them. For more information, visit www.altanticpilotage.com

Waterfront Development update.Nik Karbowski is the Marine Manager for Waterfront Development.Recreational boats can obtain a free daytime berthing pass by visiting https://my-waterfront.ca/getting-here/marine/halifax/To make up for construction happening within the Port, the floating dock at Purdy's wharf will be extended to 400'.

Tall ShipsThe Tall ships, with 27 vessels registered will be available in locations around the Port of Halifax for public vewing (no charge) July 29-July 31. The Tall Ships will leave Halifax with a Sail Past on Tuesday August 1.More information about the Tall Ships visit to Canada is at http://www.rdv2017.com/en/participating-cities/Information about actually sailing aboard one of the tall ships is at http://www.sailonboard.comIf you want to volunteer for the tall ship event email rdv2017volunteers@wdcl.ca

Canadian Hydrographic Service AtlanticThe Canadian Hydrographic Service, CHS is interested in 'Crowd Sourcing' information for their Atlantic Charts. If you are aware of anything that you feel should be included on a chart, such as a new wharf, or a shoal that has appeared please contact them at the Bedford Institute. andrew.smith@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

EVENTS

Brad Fleet Retirement CelebrationDate: Friday, June 2nd, 2017Time: 6PM-8PMPlace: Mug and Anchor Pub, 643 Main St, Mahone Bay, NS B0J 2E0Invitation for members of the Atlantic Marine Trades Association and their guests. Please indicate by return email if you are able to attend and how many will be attending.For those coming from out of town that would like to spend the night on Nova Scotia's beautiful South Shore, The Atlantica Oak Island Resort has offered a room rate of $169. The rate includes breakfast, parking and WIFI. Reservation may be made by calling the Hotel directly at 902-627-2600

Shining Waters Marina Day, June 24th from 10am – 3pm.Our beautiful marina is located off the Peggy’s Cove Rd which boasts beautiful ocean views and stunning landscape. Our goal is to unite boaters/ non-boaters and their families with organizations in HRM that promote the boating lifestyle and related products & services.The expo is free for vendors to attend. If you are interested in attending, please contactCarolyn at 902.820.3627 or 902.817.1555 events@shiningwaters.ca

AMTA E-News, November 4, 2016

2017 Board of Directors elected at the Annual General MeetingAMTA welcomes new Board Members Chris Power of Sunnybrook Yachts, Zack Green of Mahone Marine, and Mac Morrison of The Binnacle for the 2017 Board year. They join President Jason Craig and Board Members Tara Mills, Kathryn Newell, Brad Fleet, Lee Toole, Suzanne Rent, Norman Wiechert, Bobby Mitchell, Chip Dickison and Blair Gallant.The Board thanks retiring Board member Terry Conrad for his work on the Board and the Executive Committee.

2017 Edition of the Atlantic Boating GuideWork is underway for the 2017 edition. The Guide has been re-designed and continues to be a sought after publication for boaters. Distributed throughout Atlantic Canada and a selected boat shows elsewhere, the guide is a source of information about marinas and the recreational boating industry. The media kit can be viewed here: http://www.boatinginatlanticcanada.com/images/PDF/ABG_media_kit.pdf or contact Suzanne Rent at srent@metroguide.ca

Economic Impact StudyIts time to update the Economic Impact Study of the Canadian Recreational Boating Industry. A consortium of national and regional marine industry associations is sponsoring an economic impact analysis of the Canadian recreational boating industry. The resulting economic portrait will help strengthen the industry by providing stakeholders with information to guide their business decisions and influence public policy. The project sponsors have engaged Hickling Arthurs Low (HAL) Corporation to conduct the study.Your input is very important to ensuring the success of the study and supporting the success of the recreational boating sector. Please be assured that all specific information gathered from the survey will be aggregated to protect the anonymity of participants. No information identifying an individual organization or person will be shared with the project sponsors or any other party.It is important that you take the time to complete the survey so an accurate picture of our industry in our region can be provided. Here is the link to start the survey:http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3046010/2016-Canadian-Recreational-Boating-Industry-Survey-Sondage-aupr-s-de-l-industrie-canadienne-de-la-navigation-de-plaisance-copy

Marine Service Technician Trade CertificationWE NEED YOU in order to start training apprentices in our industryFor experienced technicians working in the recreational boating industry who would like to to challenge for certification with the NS Apprenticeship Agency as a Marine Service Technician, the agency is offering a significant discount on the cost of taking the exam. The discounted cost is $148.18 (normally $740.77). If you are interested in writing the exam and want to know if you are qualified to write it, how to prepare for it, and the process involved, please contact Pat at the AMTA office 877-595-2682 or info@boatinginatlanticcanada.com.If you think you would qualify to challenge the certification AMTA and the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders will be putting on a 3 day preparation course in early 2017.

Scammer Warning:Once again a scam letter has come from a European based company called International Fairs Directory targeting exhibitors at the Halifax International Boat Show. They offer a listing in their directory for 1212 Euros.Their registered address is in Uruguay. Please ignore this letter it has nothing to do with AMTA or The Halifax International Boat Show.

Halifax International Boat ShowTaking place February 9-12, 2017! Make sure you have booked your space...visit www.halifaxboatshow.com or call Scott at 902-468-4999

Membership for 2017Membership applications and invoices will be in the mail next week. If you wish to pay your membership by credit card please note that we can only accept credit cards on-line but we can email you a credit card invoice. More information about AMTA is at www.boatinginatlanticcanada.com

AMTA E-News September 20th

Annual General Meeting October 20th, Rodd Charlottetown, PEIToday is the final day to take advantage of the guaranteed rate at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel. After today the room block is released so you may not be able to get the same great rate. Book today by clicking this link https://booking.ihotelier.com/istay/istay.jsp?HotelID=85516&rateplanid=2119348 Choose your dates and add the number of rooms and people and click continue to confirm your reservation. Or you can call the Rodd Charlottetown at (902) 894-8566Presentations during the meeting will include:

Monica Matheson, Boating Cape Breton, Cruise Cape Breton AssociationFor the past three years, the Cruise Cape Breton Association has implemented a marketing strategy to increase the awareness of the Bras d'Or Lake and Cape Breton Island as a world class recreational boating destination. As the Marketing Director, Monica has travelled up and down the Eastern Seaboard of the USA and to destinations other parts of Canada with her message. She has spoken to more boaters, distributed more literature not only about Cape Breton but about Atlantic Canada, surveyed boaters for more reasons why or why not they travel to the region than has ever happened before. Her efforts and those of the Association have produced results! Its a great story.

Antoine Lejeune, Wells Fargo National Sales Manager for CanadaAMTA members are used to getting these don't miss insights from the biggest commercial lender in Canada. Wells Fargo has excellent information for Dealers in the region, they track trends in sales and inventory and supply their thoughts about what the future will bring for the recreational marine business. GE Capital sold its business segments of equipment finance and corporate finance to Wells Fargo earlier this year.

Last week, I attended the Canadian Marine Advisory Council (CMAC) meetings in Ottawa, in particular the Standing Committee on Recreational Boating and also the Environment Standing Committee. Next week, AMTA President Jason Craig and I will be meeting with NMMA Canada and other Canadian Marine Trade Associations for a recreational boating industry strategic planning meeting followed by the NMMA Canada organized 'Day on the Hill' which is an opportunity to meet with Members of Parliament to discuss the importance of the Recreational Boating Industry in Canada.

Standing Committee on Recreational BoatingThe Office of Boating Safety(OBS) focuses on regulatory programs and provides national leadership and guidance in an effort to improve regulatory oversight for Pleasure Craft. Their activities are as follows:Regulatory Compliance, Enforcement and the Pleasure Craft Courtesy ProgramPleasure Craft LicensingVessel Operation Restriction Regulations (VORR)Leveraging Partnerships through the Boating Contribution ProgramTechnical support the the Pleasure Craft Operator Competency (PCOC) ProgramCommunications

CommunicationsTransport Canada has created a facebook and twitter feed with safety messaging that you can share on your social media. As the information covers all aspects of transportation, it is worthwhile to have a look and see what is available for recreational boating. Visit the Facebook site at https://www.facebook.com/TransportationandBuildingCommunities or Twitter at https://twitter.com/transport_gc

Pleasure Craft LicensingElectronic Licensing was launched in July 2015 for all Canadians, since the launch, over 50% of boats licensed have used the electronic system.A reminder of the link for the public electronic licensing: https://www.pcl-pep.snbservices.ca/1001/pubweb/default.aspx?lang=en-CAFor Boat Dealers: https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/debs-obs-paperwork-paperwork_boat_licence-3214.htm

Proposed Amendments to the Small Vessel Regulations (SVR)Regulatory Amendment submissions are expected to be pre-published in Part 1 of the Canada Gazette in Spring 2017The amendments relate to the following1. Stand-Up Paddleboards2. Pyrotechnic distress signals3. Pleasure Craft LicensingYou can view the information paper about these regulation amendments at this link. Comments about the regulations should be sent directly to Larry Spears or Honey Walsh whose emails are on the information paper.

Addressing abandoned boats and wrecksA presentation was made to the Environment Standing Committee by Transport Canada Environment Policy regarding the proliferation of abandoned boats. According to information that they have, an increasing number of boats are being abandoned as they reach end of life which can pose hazards to marine navigation, public health and safety, the marine environment and cause economic harm to local communities. Current Federal legislation focuses on certain impacts of abandoned boats and wrecks but does not directly address the problem. Contact information regarding this presentation: eric.huberdeau@tc.gc.ca

Navigation Protection ActThe Navigable Waters Protection Act 1882 is one of Canada's oldest pieces of legislation intended to allow economic development while protecting safe navigation. Between 2009 and 2014, amendments were made to the act to streamline the approval process of works, reduce environmental assessments and determine navigability on navigable waterways and the name was changed to Navigation Protection Act. Now, the Minister of Transportation has the following mandate:"Work with the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard to review the previous government's changes to the fisheries Act and Navigable Waters Protection Act, restore lost protections and incorporate modern safeguards"

Boating Safety Contribution Program (BSCP)The BSCP supports organizations that work to raise public awareness about boating safety for both recreational boating and commercial fishing; advance knowledge of boating safety issues, practises and behaviours in Canada; and support regulatory compliance.Funded Projectsincrease the number of pleasure craft and small vessel operators following safe boating practises;improve access to national boating incident data that will improve stakeholder’s capacity to deliver evidence-based awareness and education initiatives; andhelp reduce deaths, injuries and property damages due to boating accidents.Five projects have been approved and will be announced in May for 2016-17 for a total of 1.3Million over 3 yearsNew for 2016 is a project for Commercial Fishing Safety with a program targeting safety for Small Fishing vesselsFor more information about the BSCP visit www.tc.gc.ca/bscp

AMTA E-News. March 18, 2016

Publicity OpportunityGlen Cairns former AMTA Board member and veteran of the Marine Industry in Atlantic Canada is now working with Kerrwil Publications, publisher of magazines Canadian Yachting Magazine, Boating Industry Canada and digital newsletters Canadian Yachting OnBoard (Atlantic) and the weekly Boating Industry Canada. If you have news about your business or news for boaters please contact Glen at gcairns1@ns.sympatico.ca or Phone: 902-443-7437Here is an example of the Canadian onBoard (Atlantic) digital newsletter. You can sign up to receive the newsletter at this link.http://email.mysub.ca/?email=CYA0039&id=4725468

Digital MagazineThe 2016 Edition of Boating in Atlantic Canada, a guide to yacht clubs and marinas in Atlantic Canada is now available as a flip book on line. Click on the link to browse the book or copy the link to your web site as an information piece for your clients. http://reader.mediawiremobile.com/AMI/issues/101431/viewer

Marine Service Technician TrainingThe Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency has approved the Marine Service Technician (MST) Apprenticeship. The Trade Regulation for the MST Apprenticeship can be viewed at this link: http://www.novascotia.ca/just/regulations/regs/atqmarineservice.htmThe boating industry in Nova Scotia still needs to have more employed certified MST journeymen in order to have apprentices in business. The NS Apprenticeship Training continues to offer those who qualify an opportunity to challenge the certification for $143.00If you are interested in challenging the certification and or registering apprentices at your business, please contact Chip Dickison at the Nova Scotia Boat Builder Association at 902-423-2378 or nsbatc@eastlink.ca

BoatDealers.caAMTA is please to welcome BoatDealers.ca as a memberBoatDealers.ca is the largest collection of Boats For Sale in Canada. Offering thousands of Used Boats For Sale, New Boats for Sale, and Yachts for Sale.Dealers can list their entire inventory for buyers to view before they visit the dealership and save a lot of time on unqualified prospects and quickly recoup advertising costs. No other site can offer so many potential sales at so little cost, benefits include:Unlimited listingsUnlimited photosOnline listings manager (add/update/remove)Commission free - buyers contact you directlyWebsite integrationAutomatic updating service availableSee more at: http://www.boatdealers.ca/boat-dealers/join#sthash.3kelOPDB.dpuf and contact Cameron Coleman at cameron@mydealers.ca

Canadian Marine Advisory Council MeetingWill take place April 19-21 at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa Ontario.The Canadian Marine Advisory Council (CMAC) is Transport Canada's national consultative body for marine matters. Meetings are normally held twice a year in the spring and fall, nationally in Ottawa. Participants include representatives of individuals and parties that have a recognized interest in boating and shipping concerning safety, recreational matters, navigation, marine pollution and response and marine security.Meeting agendas have not yet been posted, however if you would like a draft of the schedule or the agendas when they do get posted, please contact Pat Nelder info@boatinginatlanticcanada.com The National Recreational Boating Advisory Council Meeting will take place on April 21, also in Ottawa.

Moncton Boat ShowApril 1-3, 2016 at the Moncton Coliseum.Come and discover some great ways to spend your spare time this summer – the water is waiting! You’ll find tons of boats of all shapes and sizes, with dealers from NB, NS and PEI. From fishing boats to cruisers, runabouts, inflatables, personal watercraft and so much more, this show has it all!Plus, the Moncton Boat Show will once again be co-located with the New Brunswick Sportsmen’s Show and the Dieppe Fly Fishing Forum. Three great shows for one low price, and you’ll get a taste of all the outdoor activities that we love to take part in during the warmer months.www.monctonboatshow.ca

Upcoming Shows and EventsCourtesy of Boating Business

Toronto Sportsmen's ShowMarch 16 to 20

Palm Beach International Boat ShowMarch 17 to 20

Kingston Boat Show and SaleMarch 18 to 20

Northwest SportshowMarch 30 to April 3

Moncton Boat ShowApril 1 to 3

New Brunswick Sportsmen ShowApril 1 to 3

Spring Cottage Life ShowApril 1 to 3

Windsor Boat, RV & Recreation Show and SaleApril 1 to 3

Sudbury Sportsman ShowApril 8 to 10

Orillia Perch FestivalApril 16 to May 7

AMTA E News, Jan 21th 2016

Halifax International Boat Show February 18-21 2016Less than a month to go to the 2016 Boat Show! AMTA and the show producers, Master Promotions Ltd are looking forward to the first show in the Halifax Exhibition Centre. With a theme of summer: Have Boat Have Summer, the show will feature what 'lies beneath' with stories from shipwreck hunter Terry Dwyer, artifact finder Wayne Mushrow, panel discussions, seminars, cooking afloat demonstrations and a visit from a Mermaid!

The Halifax Exhibition Centre (formerly Exhibition Park) kicks off a Brand new 2016 Show season on Jan 28th with the Halifax RV Show.New owners of the facility, Besim Halef and Bassam Nahas have started improvements to the building and surrounds and have rebranded it.www.halifaxboatshow.com

Photo ContestThe 2016 Halifax International Boat Show Photo contest is now open on the Show Facebook page www.facebook.com/HalifaxInternationalBoatShow You can check out the rules of the contest and encourage your clients and customers to enter! Contest Rules are on-line here http://goo.gl/KTRf2g

NMMA Canada releases 2015 Statistical Abstract on the Recreational Boating Industry in Canada at the Toronto Boat ShowThe Abstract is a compendium of statistics about the industry and is available from NMMA Canada. Boating Business did a quick recap of the statistics presented at the Toronto Boat Show Industry Breakfast which can be read here http://goo.gl/fclV16

The Vancouver Boat ShowThe Vancouver International Boat Show runs January 20-24, 2016 at BC Place and Granville Island. www.VancouverBoatShow.caWestern Canada’s largest consumer boating event, the Vancouver International Boat Show is owned by the Boating BC Association and produced by Canadian Boat Shows.

The Nova Scotia Marine Industry Conferencetakes place 25th-26th February in Halifax – and this years seminar speaker line-up includes:Nigel Irens, UK’s well-known yacht designer. Nigel will be speaking about innovations in power and sailboat designs.If you are interested to attend the conference, and to hear and meet Nigel and the other speakers and delegates, details on all the seminar speakers, topics and related events – plus Registration form - are on the NSBA website.http://www.nsboats.com/conference-2016

ABYC Marine Electrical Certification course – Monday, March 14th – Thursday March 17th, 2016, LunenburgThe American Boat Yacht Council (ABYC) is a non-profit, member organization that develops voluntary safety standards for the design, construction, maintenance, and repair of recreational boats. 90% of all boats are built to ABYC standards. NMMA certification and the Canadian TP1332 are based on ABYC standards.If you are providing service to recreational boats, the ABYC Electrical Certification course is geared toward marine electricians with broad experience in both troubleshooting and equipment installations, both AC and DC. The course covers basic electrical fundamentals, cable installation and termination, maintaining and installing battery systems, battery charging systems, inverter installation and troubleshooting, AC shore power systems, AC generators and panel boards, DC panel boards, AC components, DC components, safety equipment.Ed Sherman will be the instructor, course is facilitated by the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association.Registration details:NSBA Members $350+HST ($402.50)non-NSBA Members (residents of Nova Scotia) $450+HST ($517.50)Residents outside Nova Scotia $1,300+HST ($1495)Please contact the NSBA office at 902-423-2378 or nsbatraining@eastlink.ca

Upcoming Boat Shows Courtesy of Boating Business

Fish Canada WorkboatJan. 22 to 23

boot DusseldorfJan. 23 to 31

Calgary Boat and Sportsmen's ShowFeb. 4 to 7

Montreal Boat and Water Sports ShowFeb. 4 to 7

Miami International Boat ShowFeb. 11 to 15

Spring Fishing and Boat ShowFeb. 12 to 15

Ontario Family Fishing (winter)Feb. 13 to 15

Ottawa Boat and Sportsmen's ShowFeb. 18 to 21

Halifax International Boat ShowFeb. 18 to 21

Montreal Hunting Fishing and Camping ShowFeb. 18 to 21

London Boat Fishing and Outdoor ShowFeb. 19 to 21

Victoria Boat + Fishing ShowFeb. 19 to 21

December 22, 2015Happy Holidays

President Jason Craig and the Board of Directors would like to wish all members and friends of AMTA a very happy holiday season and all the best for the 2016 boating season. Thanks for your support during 2015.

Photo Contest

The 2016 Halifax International Boat Show Photo contest is now open on the Show Facebook page. You can check out the rules of the contest and encourage your clients and customers to enter! Contest Rules

Atlantic Boating Guide

The 2016 edition of the Guide has gone to print, and copies will be available at the Toronto International Boat Show at the Discover Boating Booth, at the Boating Cape Breton Booth and at the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Booth. If any other Atlantic Canada exhibitors would like copies to have at the show please contact the AMTA office.

Toronto International Boat Show

Takes place January 8-17, 2016. Jason Craig and Pat Nelder will attend the annual Discover Boating Board meeting during the show. NMMA Canada hosts the Canadian Recreational Boating Industry Session on Tuesday, January 12th at the Allstream Centre. Click here for more information about the show.

C-TowC-Tow Marine Assistance Ltd. is 30 years strong, providing "Peace of Mind at Sea" to boaters on the west coast of British Columbia, the Great Lakes, the St Lawrence River in Ontario and for the summer of 2016 on the South Shore of Nova Scotia.Contact info1-888-419-CTOW (2869) or 1-888-354-5554info@c-tow.ca http://www.c-tow.ca/

Farewell to CMCCMC, a long term member of AMTA and vendor of marine electronics has been sold to MacKay Marine. The Atlantic Canada offices will stay open however they will no longer be catering to the recreation boating market, their concentration will be commercial shipping only. AMTA would like to thank the staff of the Atlantic Canada offices for their contribution to the recreational boating industry in the region over many years.

Congratulations to Derek Bennett of the Town of LewisporteFormer AMTA Board member Derek Bennett of the Town of Lewisporte NL has won his bd to represent his region on the Provincial NL Government in the election held November 30th 2015.

Sail Nova Scotia Honours the Best at Annual AwardsSail Nova Scotia held its awards ceremony on November 23 in Halifax. Capturing the Sailor of the Year award was Peter Wickwire who had a great year capturing just about every race he entered with his team including Chester Race Week and the US Match Racing Invitational Regatta. Winning the Female Sailor of the Year was the 49erFX team of Erin Rafuse and Danielle Boyd. Earlier on Saturday they qualified Canada to a berth at the 2016 Rio Olympics. For more information visit www.sailnovascotia.ca

Final Discover Boating Marketing Results Beat ExpectationsFinal campaign reporting for the 2015 year has been tallied and results show that the campaign surpassed expectations and targets for the year. Advertising efforts delivered more impressions for the boating lifestyle, which positively impacted people's perceptions of boating and led to increased traffic to DiscoverBoating.ca.A key result of the growth in traffic on DiscoverBoating.ca is the increasing number of consumers who visit manufacturer websites directly from DiscoverBoating.ca. These numbers continue to grow year-over-year and in 2015 more than 474,000 visits to manufacturer websites came directly from DiscoverBoating.ca. Click link for the campaign results summary. http://www.boatinginatlanticcanada.com/images/PDF/DBCA_Marketing_Results_and_Resources_2015.pdfVisit www.DiscoverBoating.ca/tools for industry information & resources.

2016 Membership in AMTAMembership information has been mailed out. If you prefer update your information and pay on-line you can do so by visiting http://www.boatinginatlanticcanada.com/join-amta.php

Upcoming Atlantic Events

Halifax International Boat Show February 18-21, 2016www.halifaxboatshow.com

Moncton Boat Show April 1-3, 2016http://www.masterpromotions.ca/Previous-Events/moncton-boat-show-2016/

November 6th 2015: Exhibition Park has new owner!

AMTA is pleased to share with you that Exhibition Park, home of the Halifax International Boat Show has been sold in principle. The following press release has been received from The Exhibition Managers Society of Nova Scotia which represents the major shows and events that take place at Exhibition Park.

The announcement has been made earlier today by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal that the Province has an agreement in principle with Banc Properties for ownership of Exhibition Park in Halifax. This agreement, combined with the proviso that the facility will be renovated and operated as an exhibition centre for a minimum of eight years is welcomed by the Exposition Managers Society of Nova Scotia. The Society represents all of the major privately-operated shows and events taking place annually at Exhibition Park.The Society warned in September that if the facility was closed then their industry would effectively be shut down with a more than $12 million annual hit to the Halifax economy alone and significant job losses. “The announcement does not come as a surprise”, said Society Chairman Jim Gourlay of the Saltscapes Group. “When the file was taken over in September by Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Geoff MacLellan, the industry was invited to become part of the transition process. With the exception of the actual selection of the winning bid, we have been involved every step of the way. “That meant that the needs and wishes of the industry were clearly understood by government and were incorporated into the criteria for the sale of the facility to the private sector.” Mr. Gourlay said what appeared in July (when the government announced it was divesting of the facility) to be a catastrophe, may yet turn out to be the best turn of events —for the industry, for Halifax and for the province as a whole. “The building needs to be renovated and upgraded: that will happen. The parking lot needs to be repaved: that will happen. The facility needs to be aggressively marketed to rebuild and grow the events industry: we are optimistic that will happen as well.” The events industry has committed to assisting the new owner in hitting the ground running, he said. The window of opportunity to get the work done and get organized for the 2016 season is now extremely tight. The industry has the resources, the experience and the interest in helping to make this happen.”

AMTA e-News November 5, 2015

NOTICE OF MEETING NOVEMBER 26, 2015The Annual General Meeting of the Atlantic Marine Trades Association will take place Thursday, November 26, 2015 at the Future Inns Halifax Hotel & Conference Centre located at 30 Fairfax Dr, Halifax, NS, B3S 1P1 starting at 1PMFurther details about the meeting will be in subsequent emails and at www.boatinginatlanticcanada.com as of November 6, 2015.

FINAL WEEK TO BOOK ADVERTISING SPACE IN THE 2016 ATLANTIC BOATING GUIDEAtlantic Boating Guide is Atlantic Canada’s premiere boating guide, offering readers all of the details they need to boat around Atlantic Canada. Inside you will find the best boating destinations in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland, along with detailed marina listings and services.This guide also includes details on the most popular events in each region along with personal stories and advice from boaters who know Atlantic Canada’s waters the best.

Include your message in the only regional boating guide dedicated to sailors and power boaters alike within Atlantic Canada.Click http://www.boatinginatlanticcanada.com/images/PDF/small_ABGuide-2016MediaKit.pdf for the rate card and contact Barb McConnell at Metro Guide Publishing, 902-420-9943, ex 1804 or email bmcconnell@metroguide.caUPCOMING EVENTS ATLANTIC

Atlantic Sailing Conference Saturday November 21, 2015Registration is $25 and includes lunch. You can register at https://sailnovascotia.checklick.com/online-registration or by contacting the Sail Nova Scotia office at (902) 425-5450 Ext 312Click http://www.boatinginatlanticcanada.com/images/PDF/Sked_v4.pdf for the scheduleAMTA Annual General Meeting, November 26, 2015

NORTH AMERICAN EVENTS

Fort Lauderdale International Boat ShowNov. 5 to 9

Paynes Marine Group Trade ShowNov. 7 to 9

Marine Dealer Conference & ExpoNov. 15 to 18

METSNov. 17 to 19

Land N Sea Canada Show (Mashantucket, CT)Nov. 19 to 20

Boating BC ConferenceNov. 24 to 25

Boating Ontario Conference & Trade ShowNov. 30 to Dec. 2

AMTA e-nEWS, October 13, 2015

2016 Atlantic Boating Guide

Atlantic Boating Guide is Atlantic Canada’s premiere boating guide, offering readers all of the details they need to boat around Atlantic Canada. Inside you will ‑ find the best boating destinations in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland, along with detailed marina listings and services. This guide also includes details on the most popular events in each region along with personal stories and advice from boaters who know Atlantic Canada’s waters the best.Include your message in the only regional boating guide dedicated to sailors and power boaters alike within Atlantic Canada.

Sail NS is excited to release the schedule for our 2nd annual Atlantic Sailing Conference to be held Saturday, November 21 at Citadel High School in Halifax. The Conference will bring together leaders, volunteers, coaches, instructors, sailors and power boaters for a great day of information gathering and networking. Last year's inaugural event was a great success with up to 100 in attendance.

Sessions this year range from The Best Sailing Apps to what physiological traits make a great sailor and a whole lot more. Dawn Riley is the Keynote speaker. Dawn is a true leader when it comes to sailing having been the first female to lead an America's Cup campaign. Currently she is the director of the Oakcliff Sailing Center in New York.

Registration is $25 and includes lunch. You can register at https://sailnovascotia.checklick.com/online-registration or by contacting the Sail Nova Scotia office at (902) 425-5450 Ext 312

The NMEA is offering Educational Training Sessions in Halifax from November 18th to 20th at the Future Inns Halifax Hotel and Conference Centre, 30 Fairfax Drive, Halifax, NS B3S 1P1.

Details and Dates of each training session:

Basic Marine Electronics Installer, Wednesday, November 18th http://www.nmea.org/store/index.asp?show=pdet&pid=482&cid=10NMEA2000 Training, Thursday, November 19th http://www.nmea.org/store/index.asp?show=pdet&pid=485&cid=12Advanced Marine Electronics Installer, Friday, November 20th http://www.nmea.org/store/index.asp?show=pdet&pid=488&cid=11Each course runs from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. with an exam given at the end of the session. Pre-registration is required by visiting the NMEA website at www.nmea.org. Course materials are sent out in advance, so if you’re interested to attend, register as soon as possible.

AMTA E-News, September 2nd 2015Back to school edition

Newport International Boat ShowSeptember 17-20, 2015.The Newport International Boat Show encompasses 13 acres of Newport’s famed waterfront with all makes and models of powerboats and sailboats ranging from 16 ft. to 100 ft. - ready for boarding and review. On the land side, there’s a bountiful array of marine products and services to enhance the boating lifestyle. . With numerous countries represented - it truly is an international event. This year AMTA will be at the show passing out our Boating in Atlantic Canada Guide. The opportunity was made possible through the Nova Scotia Boat Builders Association who are hosting a 'pavilion'. Its a great opportunity to showcase what is available in Atlantic Canada with the current advantageous exchange rate for Americans planning to visit. Suzanne Rent and Pat Nelder will be at the show for AMTA.

Canadian Safe Boating Council Symposium2015 Annual SymposiumHalifax, Nova Scotia – September 20 – 22, 2015The CSBC Symposium summons boating safety enthusiasts from across Canada and internationally at the Sheraton Four Points in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Attendees include government policy makers, not for profit organizations, marine law enforcement, first responders, boating safety educators, course providers, marina operators, volunteers, marine manufacturers and more. On-line registration is available at: http://www.csbc.ca/en/symposium-registration?view=form and the details of the conference at http://www.csbc.ca/images/CSBC2015SymposiumAgendaHalifaxAsofJUNE19.pdfAMTA is sponsoring the reception for the symposium.

Halifax International Boat ShowPlans are underway for a 2016 edition of the Halifax International Boat Show despite changes that may occur at the show venue Exhibition Park. Show producers Master Promotions are working tirelessly on AMTA's behalf to provide the best solution.

Atlantic Outdoor Sports, RV & Boat ShowExhibition Park - Halifax - September 11-13, 2015This is the second year for this later summer event. More information at http://www.sportsrvandboatshow.com/

October is the season for Dealer Shows: Please contact the organizations directly for more information about these shows, they are a great opportunity for dealers to talk directly to manufacturers and vendors.

Good News for Halifax Harbour:New Docks for Recreational Boaters on McNabs IslandIn June, Waterfront Development Corporation will be installing 150 feet of dock space on McNabs Island. This will allow recreational boaters to tie up and explore the Island during the day. The docks will be installed at Garrison Pier on the Island.

Welcome to the Water on National Marina Day–a day to unite the marine industry to grow boating and celebrate on-the-water recreation.June 13th, 2015, Shining Waters Marine will be celebrating!AMTA will be hosting a Discover Boating tent alongside many other members of the marine industry from 10am-6pm148 Nautical Way, Tantallon, Nova Scotia. www.shiningwaters.ca

Flare return June 6thThe Canadian Sail and Power Squadrons have announced that they will facilitate the return of expired flares in Nova Scotia on June 6th, 2015. Drop off will be at the Yacht Shop on Joseph Howe Drive in Halifax. The CPS has a partnership with Transport Canada and CIL Dealers to undertake a project on education and awareness of safety equipment, the care and maintenance of that equipment and how to safely and effectively use and dispose of flares.For more information visit.https://www.cps-ecp.ca/public/public.asp?WCE=C=47|K=240853|RefreshT=|RefreshS=|RefreshD=8

Work Smarts Subsidy ProgramReceived from the Sobeys School of BusinessWe are running a subsidy called Work Smarts funded through Service Canada with the aim of employing recent graduates in the Atlantic provinces. We were hoping you could pass along this information to your members as we feel they could benefit greatly from a subsidy such as this! From what I could gather from your membership page, your members are all in what we call “NAICS High Demand Sectors” and should be eligible for the subsidy.This information is most useful to any of your members who own their business, or are in a position to hire a new employee. By applying for Work Smarts, they can use this program to subsidize the wage of one new employee. Through a partnership with Service Canada, we pay 50% of the participants wages for the first 7 months, as well as cover EI and CPP contributions. We also provide the participant and employer with professional development training prior to, and after the subsidy ends.The only requirement is that the candidate they chose is a recent graduate of any post-secondary school, and they are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.All of this information can also be found on our website, http://smu.ca/worksmarts. If you, or any of your members have questions, please give me a call at 902-491-6545, or by email at worksmarts@smu.ca.Thank you and all the best,Alex RafuseProject Coordinator - Skills, Development and TrainingSobey School of Business - Business Development Centre

AMTA E-News May 18, 2015

Discover Boating Canada — Marketing Webinar — May 27thSave the date to learn more about the details of the 2015 Discover Boating Canada marketing plan. Register now to attend a 30 minute webinar that will provide information about the marketing efforts that are underway as well as what's in store for this year. Join us to learn more about how the program is working to grow recreational boating and to help you grow your business. The webinar will cover strategic initiatives including:Advertising campaign (online and mobile) and how content marketing will help deliver on our core program objectives to grow the recreational boating industrySocial media: our plan to engage this important online community and how you can leverage the opportunityPublic relations: how we'll get media excited about the boating lifestyle and how you can get involved in these initiativesPromotional materials and web tools available to you at no chargePlease register for Discover Boating Canada 2015 Marketing Campaign on May 27, 2015 1:00 PM EDT at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4425277381354833410To learn more please contact Tracey Hart, Director of Marketing, Discover Boating Canada at thart@nmma.org

Recreational Boating Advisory Council (RBAC)The RBACs is Newfoundland and Labrador and in the Maritime Provinces have been reconvened. Mark Wareham of the Marine Institute in NL is the Co-chair in NL, and Pat Nelder is the Co-chair in the Maritimes. If you need to get information about legislation affecting recreational boating in our region, there is a phone number that does get answered regionally. Call 1-800-230-3693

Electronic LicensingAccording to the Office of Boating Safety, digital licensing will be available possibly on June 1st. This means that all boat owners should be able to go on-line to apply for new boat licenses and renew their boat licenses.

Flare return June 6thThe Canadian Sail and Power Squadrons have announced that they will facilitate the return of expired flares in Nova Scotia on June 6th, 2015. Drop off will be at the Yacht Shop on Joseph Howe Drive in Halifax. The CPS has a partnership with Transport Canada and CIL Dealers to undertake a project on education and awareness of safety equipment, the care and maintenance of that equipment and how to safely and effectively use and dispose of flares.For more information visit.https://www.cps-ecp.ca/public/public.asp?WCE=C=47|K=240853|RefreshT=|RefreshS=|RefreshD=8

AMTA E-News May 8, 2015

Boating season begins!

Safe Boating WeekNorth American Safe Boating Awareness Week (SBAW) will take place across Canada from May 16 to May 22, 2015. The purpose of Safe Boating Awareness Week is to promote safe boating practices to the estimated 16 million recreational boaters in Canada who head out in canoes and kayaks, sailboards and sailboats, fishing boats, personal watercraft and powerboats.If you are interesting in using some of the great materials developed for this campaign, visit http://www.csbc.ca/en/safety-campaigns/sbaw/materials

Halifax Safe Boating Week launch on Thursday, May 14, 2015.Come out to Parade Square in front of Halifax city hall to visit a variety of safety displays and pick up the latest boating news.Displays will be set up on Thursday May 14th between 1030 and 1330. If you are interested in taking part, please contact Pat at info@boatinginatlanticcanada.com

Changes to Nova Scotia Laws for Aquaculture and Marine Renewable EnergyThe Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture has announced amendments to the Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act relate to aquaculture and recommendations made in the Doelle Lahey report - http://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20150421002. The Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture also has a new website: http://novascotia.ca/fish/aquaculture. The Province of Nova Scotia introduced a Marine Renewable Energy Act to govern the development of marine renewable energy resources including waves, tidal range, in-stream tidal, ocean currents, and offshore wind in designated areas of the Nova Scotia offshore - http://energy.novascotia.ca/renewables/marine-renewable-energy/marine-renewable-energy-legislation.

Race the CapeRegistration is open for Race the Cape: five days of challenging point-to-point sail racing, both inland and coastal ocean, broken into five legs of up to 40 nautical miles through the island’s amazing Bras d’Or Lakes and along Cape Breton Island’s rugged Atlantic coast leading to the Cape Breton Highlands.Visit http://www.racethecape.ca for more information

Job PostingsBoating Industry Canada hosts a Job posting Board on their electronic weekly newsletter. If you are looking for employees in the marine industry, you can put your job posting onto their list by contacting Ethan Shaw at ethanshaw@kerrwil.comhttp://www.boatingindustry.ca/index.php/careers?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=2221525&utm_campaign=2015-05-05

EventsHere is a list of Events as compiled by Boating Industry CanadaIf you would like an event that is of interest to the boating industry in our region to be included on this list, please contact the editor Terri Hodgson at thodgson@kerrwil.comThe following lists a series of industry related conferences and events that will be of interest to marine professionals. If you are aware of an appropriate event that you would like to see listed here, contact Terri Hodgson at thodgson@kerrwil.com .

AMTA AwardsAt the exhibitor reception at the 2015 Halifax International Boat Show held in February, the Board of the Atlantic Marine Trades Association honoured two members with Service Awards. Paul Embrett retired from a long career with GE Finance and as a Board member of the Atlantic Marine Trades Association. Jason Craig, President of AMTA spoke about the great customer service that Paul had always brought to his clients, the boat dealers of Atlantic Canada. He will be missed.Jason Champagne of Seamasters Services provides exemplary customer service to the clients at Seamasters. A Liferaft Technician, Jason has repacked and serviced liferafts that have saved lives including the students aboard the SV Concordia in 2010 and most recently the 20 metre fishing boat Poseidon Princess which sank this past January.

Moncton Boat ShowOnce again Atlantic Canada Boat Dealers are faced with beating the snow demons and getting their products into the Moncton Coliseum for The Moncton Boat Show, the New Brunswick Sportsmen’s Show and the Dieppe Fly Fishing Forum. For more information visit www.monctonboatshow.ca or like www.facebook.com/MonctonBoatShowPower Boat TVEnjoy a taste of summer on the Bras d'Or Lake airing this Saturday, March 21st at 11AM on Powerboat Television on Global television. AMTA and Boating Cape Breton along with AMTA members Mermaid Marine, Quartermaster Marine, Conrad Marine and MCTi brought Mike Gridley and his crew back to Atlantic Canada in the summer of 2014 for some spectacular footage of Cape Breton Island. Brad Fleet of MCTi, and Past President of AMTA even explains how to cook snow crabs!Episode 12: March 21 - Cruising Cape Breton's Bras d'Or Lake - Part 1Join Mike and friends as they head out to experience Cape Breton’s Bras d’Or Lake. Steve will take you through a Marquis 500 Sport Yacht and Mike Milne profiles a new Regal 2550. On Footitis we look at a great cottage buy, a Grew 174Episode 13: March 28 - Cruising Cape Breton's Bras d'Or Lake - Part 2We’re back on Cape Breton’s Bras d’Or Lake with a visit to the Bell Museum. Steve tests a Sea-Doo GTX Limited IS 260 and Mike covers a Meridian 411 on Footitis. On My boat, the topic is cockpit carpeting.OR you can review past episodes at http://www.powerboattv.com/

National CMAC MeetingThe upcoming spring 2015 National Canadian Marine Advisory Council meeting will take place at the Shaw Centre located at 55 Colonel By Drive in Ottawa.The Recreational Boating Standing Committee meeting will take place on April 22, for the full day.

AMTA E- News, Feb 4, 2015

IMPORTANT ABYC ELECTRICAL CERTIFICATION COURSEAny member servicing and surveying boats should have this certification course. Boats are continually improving electrically and electronically and Transport Canada-Marine Safety uses the ABYC Electrical Standard for recreational boats.There will be a four-day ABYC Electrical Certification course taking place from Monday, March 23rd through to Thursday, March 26th, 2015 in Lunenburg, NOVA Scotia.Delivered by ABYC and facilitated by the NSBA, this course is designed for the marine technician with at least three to five years’ experience working with marine electricity. The student also needs some familiarity with ABYC electrical standards. For more info visit http://www.nsboats.com/trngabycelectrical/Cost of the course for AMTA and NSBA members is $1195 + HST = 1374.25For Non AMTA and Non NSBA member rate- $1395 + HST = $1604.25Study guides are included in the course fee. Registrants will receive ABYC Certification upon completing and passing the certification exam. If you would like to attend or register an employee, please complete the ABYC Marine Electrical registration form and fax it back to the NSBA office by February 20th.http://www.nsboats.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/ABYCMARINEELECTRICALCERTIFICATION_Dec131.pdf Or, you can contact the NSBA's Christian O’Neill at 902.423.2378 or nsbatraining@eastlink.ca .Registration and full payment of fees due on or before the 20th of February is required to be in attendance. Cancellation of the course will occur if critical mass is not obtained by this date. Please refer to the registration form for information on how reimbursement will be handled.

ATLANTIC BOATING GUIDE 2015The digital flip book is now available. Click the link to have a look. members are encouraged to place a link to the Guide on their web sites. The print copies of the guide will be available at the Halifax International Boat Show, please drop by the Metro Guide Publishing booth to get extra copieshttp://emags.advocateprinting.com/metroguide/atlanticboatingguide2015/index.html

HALIFAX INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOWWe are looking forward to a great 2015 show. Get your customers and clients inspired by asking them to enter the photo contest with their photos of boating in the summer of 2014 and our new opportunity in the contest where they can send in a 'boatie' which is a 'selfie' aboard a boat. More about the contest is at www.halifaxboatshow.com and entries can be made on the Facebook site www.facebook.com/HalifaxInternationalBoatShow

EXHIBITOR RECEPTIONOn Thursday, February 19th, please make sure to attend the Exhibitor Reception at the Halifax International Boat Show. Festivities get underway at show close at 8PM and the reception is located in the Pub at the show.

Happy Holidays! All the best for 2015​AMTA E-News December 23, 2014

Photo Contest for Halifax International Boat ShowThe photo contest is now running. The contest photos should be about 'How I spent my 2014 Boating Summer” or “Selfie aboard a Boat”. Information about entering and the contest album can be viewed on the Halifax Boat Show Facebook Page www.facebook.com/HalifaxInternationalBoatShow

New searchable dealer database on DiscoverBoating.caDiscover Boating is pleased to announce a new searchable dealer database is available on the English and French DiscoverBoating.ca websites. This tool gives potential new boaters who are looking for ways to get started in boating, an easy, user-friendly way to find a nearby dealer to shop for a boat. The tool utilizes a geo-targeting feature and allows site visitors to simply type in their city, province and/or postal code in order to find a list of dealers nearby. The results generated for these potential boat owners also indicates whether the dealers listed are a member of Boating BC, Mid-Canada Marine Dealers Association, Boating Ontario, Association Maritime du Quebec, Atlantic Marine Trade Association and/or NMMA Canada. Further the results will also show which members are certified dealers.This dealer database can be found on DiscoverBoating.ca under the 'Buying a Boat' section or by typing in www.DiscoverBoating.ca/findadealer.Don't forget to visit the Canadian dealer online toolkit at www.discoverboating.ca/tools

​MEMBER NEWS

FITZWRIGHT LIFERAFT AVAILABLE IN CANADAFitzWright Survival Inc., has been recognized for over 30 years as one a high quality manufacturer of Life-Saving Equipment in Canada. FitzWright is proud to announce that it has expanded its product offering under the FitzWright Brand to bring a far greater variety of products to the market. The showcase of this new Life-Saving Equipment Program launch is FitzWright’s NEW Transport Canada and SOLAS Approved Liferafts., FitzWright has also introduced its NEW Rapid Donning 9460 Immersion Suit to compliment the already well known Model 9700 High Mobility Immersion suit.For more information on these new products, or innovative cost reduction programs, or to locate the nearest dealer, please contact:DSS Marine Incorporated71 Wright Avenue, Dartmouth, NS, B3B 1H4Ph: 888-523-0221 email: sales@dssmarine.com

SPIRIT OF ADVENTUREDerek Hatfield's Volvo 60, Spirit of Adventure, crossed the finish line of the 2014 RORC Transatlantic Race, off Quarantine Point, Grenada at 09:47:16 UTC on Monday 15th December 2014 with an elapsed time of 14 days, 23 hours, 47 minutes and 16 seconds. The Spirit of Adventure crew of 15 were met dockside by representatives of the Royal Ocean Racing Club and well wishers at Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina. After enjoying an ice cold beer, the first cold drink for two weeks, the crew cleared customs and headed for the Victory Bar for eggs and bacon.Derek and the team will be at the Toronto and Vancouver International Boat Shows in January to once again update visitors on the next round the world race as well as how the team training events available during the winter Caribbean season and spring time on the Atlantic.For more information on Sailing Adventures contact:Patianne Verburghsail@spiritofcanada.net www.spiritofcanada.net

NS Marine Industry Conference, Halifax, 26th-27th FebThis year’s line-up of speakers for the 2015 Nova Scotia Marine Industry Conference has something for everyone:Editor of Professional Boatbuilder Magazine, Aaron PorterRuss Newberry, deckhand from TV’s Deadliest CatchInternational designer and well-known builder of wooden boats, Paul GartsideLes MacIntyre, President of Superport Marine ServicesDave Gerr, President of Gerr Marine, New York and Director of the Westlawn Institute of Marine TechnologyTony Thompson, President of EYE Marine ConsultantsSue Molloy, Glas Ocean EngineeringPaul Jamer, Breakwater GroupVisit http://nsboats.com/conference-2015 to find out what these industry experts will be speaking on, and for details about the conference and registration.UPCOMING BOATSHOWS

AMTA Welcomes Jason Craig as President.AMTA held its Annual General Meeting on November 6th in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Jason Craig of Quartermaster Marine in Charlottetown, PE is the new President. New Board members are Kathryn Newell of Iron Wind Marine, Bobby Mitchell of GE Finance, Chip Dickison of the Nova Scotia Boat Builders Association and Norman Wiechert of NewsSar Scooter and Marine join Brad Fleet of MCti, Suzanne Rent of Metro Guide Publishing, Lee Toole of Stright MacKay, Tara Mills of Seamasters Services, Derek Bennett of the Town of Lewisporte NL, Blair Gallant of Mercury Marine, Terry Conrad of Conrad Marine and Mark Wareham of the Marine Institute, NL to direct AMTA for 2015.

AMTA worked with Mahone Bay committee to stop removal of Navigational Aids in Mahone BayDuring October and November, AMTA worked with MP Gerald Keddy, residents and Yacht Club members in Mahone to avert the proposal of the Canadian Coast Guard to remove some navigational aids in popular Mahone Bay Nova Scotia. The Minister of Fisheries, the Honourable Gail Shea provided the following statement to the relief of the community;

“Following discussions with my colleague Gerald Keddy and feedback provided by his constituents, I would like to inform the Mahone Bay boating community that I have asked the Canadian Coast Guard to postpone the review of navigational aids in this area for the next season.Mahone Bay has a very unique boating population with a fleet of recreational boaters of more than 1,000 pleasure crafts. This is crucial to the region’s economy and tourism industry.Although there are a number of proposed changes to the current system of aids to navigation, I recognize the importance of the sailing patterns that local boaters have developed over the last few decades.Over the next year, the CCG will once again engage in public consultation to develop a new model that considers the needs of mariners as well as their safety and the efficiency of marine traffic.I invite the Mahone Bay boating community to participate constructively in this consultation and I thank my colleague Gerald Keddy for bringing the concerns of his constituents to my attention.”

Atlantic Sailing Conference presented by Sail Nova ScotiaCalling all sailors, racers and boating fans! The first ever Atlantic Sailing Conference and Awards will be held in Halifax on November 21 and 22. If you are interested in the sport of sailing, check it out!Hear native Nova Scotian and professional sailor Brian MacInnes tell of his experiences as a team member of Oracle during its successful campaign for the 2013 Americas Cup. Brian will be speaking at the at the Sail Nova Scotia’s Awards Ceremony at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic on Friday, November 21 at 7pm.The annual awards will be preceded at 6pm by the 2014 Annual General Meeting also at the Maritime Museum.The author of Saving Sailing, Nick Hayes will be the key note speaker on Saturday, November 22 at the day long Atlantic Sailing Conference to be held at Citadel High School in Halifax. Nick has some surprising insights into the future of sailing.http://savingsailing.com/Learn about improving sailing at your club, regatta management, fundraising and bringing sailing to schools and much more during the concurrent sessions on Saturday. Full conference schedule http://www.boatinginatlanticcanada.com/atlantic-sailing-conference.php.To register for the Awards and Conference https://sailnovascotia.checklick.com/online-registration

The Nova Scotia BoatBuilders Association is pleased to announce;Russ Newberry, a deckhand from the TV Series Deadliest Catch is coming to Halifax, 26th-27th Feb to present atthe Nova Scotia Marine Industry Conference in Halifax, 26-27 Feb 2015. For more information visit http://nsboats.com/conference-2015

Halifax International Boat Show

Don't forget! Dates are February 19-22 2015. Visit www.halifaxboatshow.com for more information

AMTA Annual General Meeting Thursday, November 6, 2014Saraguay House, Purcells Cove Road.The schedule for the Annual General Meeting is now available at http://www.boatinginatlanticcanada.com/2014-annual-general-meeting.php as are registration form and Board of Directors Nomination Form. Presentations include “Marine Industry Overview”; Patricia Carrara of GE Capital will go over various statistics for the recreational marine industry in Canada that GE tracks and then will be open to questions. “Status of Training for the Marine Industry”; Chip Dickison of the Nova Scotia Boat Builders Association will give an overview of current training, apprenticeship and certification available for the industry and then will be open to questions. Make sure to book your hotel room at the Marriott Courtyard Hotel prior to October 15 to take advantage of a great Halifax waterfront rate.

Sail Nova Scotia presents the Atlantic Sailing Conference November 22Registration is now open for the first ever Atlantic Sailing Conference to take place Saturday, November 22 at Citadel High School in Halifax. Topics already confirmed include; fundraising, insurance & risk management issues, developing an able sail program, hosting regattas, getting your program into schools, and increasing participation for 16-24 year olds, and so much more. Keynote speaker will be Nicholas Hayes who wrote Saving Sailing, which discussed the decline of participation in sailing and what we should be doing to increase numbers. A full schedule will be posted shortly. The Conference is preceded by the Sail NS Awards on November 21, with a feature presentation by Brian MacInnes of Team Oracle. at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic from 7-9pm.Registration information is at https://sailnovascotia.checklick.com/online-registration or visit www.sailnovascotia.ca

Canadian Marine Advisory Council (CMAC)The upcoming Fall 2014 National CMAC Meeting will take place at the “Old City Hall” located at 111 Sussex Drive in Ottawa, November 4-6th. Pat Nelder will be attending the Recreational Boating Standing Committee meeting on November 5th.

2014 Sail Canada AwardsNominations are being accepted for the 2014 Sail Canada Awards! All sailors and their supporters are invited to participate in recognizing Canada's top sailors via the Annual Sail Canada Awards. Now is your chance to nominate outstanding sailors, athletes, coaches, instructors, race officials, volunteers and events that have contributed to the sport over the past year.Visit http://www.sailing.ca/national-awards-s15667 for information about awards and for nomination forms. Submit nominations to sailcanada@sailing.ca or fax to 613-545-3045. Deadline for nominations: December 1st, 2014.

Halifax International Boat Show February 19-22, 2015Exhibitor information for the show is now available at www.halifaxboatshow.com.

2015 Atlantic Boating GuideIs produced by Metro Guide PublishingDon't forget to renew your ad as soon as possible. Renew by September 15th to ensure the same placement and great rate as last year.As you know the Atlantic Boating Guide is our region’s official boating resource offering readers all of the details they need to boat around Atlantic Canada. It’s also the ONLY boating guide in Atlantic Canada.The Guide will be published in January and we will distribute 10,000 copies which will be available to readers at Visitor Information Centers, marine outlets, retailers, boat shows, and special events throughout Atlantic Canada. Contact Tara Jooose at tjoosse@metroguide.ca or phone 902-420-9943 x 237Check out the 2014 on-line version of the guide at http://digital.turn-page.com/i/299160

AMTA AGM November 6, 2014Mark your calendars to make sure you attend the AMTA AGM coming up on Thursday, November 6th in Halifax. Full details will be available before the end of September.

Hurricane SeasonKeep an eye on the weather at this time of year! Hurricane preparedness is very important for marine business. Visit http://weather.gc.ca/hurricane/index_e.html for the most up to date information.

Anti Spam LegislationDiscover Boating has provided a link to their webinar‘Email Marketing Law in Canada has changed ... are you ready?’To review a recording of the webinar or download the slides, visit www.discoverboating.ca/tools/webinars.aspx where you will find links to the presentations.Please note that there is a delay of about a minute at the beginning of the recording but the balance of the recording is fine and does include the Q&A session where several questions regarding application of this new Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation were answered.

AMTA and the Anti Spam LegislationAs of July 1st, 2014, members of AMTA will continue to receive the AMTA E-News, however those of you that are on the e-news mailing list but not AMTA members need to let us know that you would like to continue to receive the e-news. Please send an email to info@boatinginatlanticcanada.com with the message 'Continue to send me the AMTA E-News' The E-news can also be accessed at http://boatinginatlanticcanada.com/index.php/news

Stright Mackay receives awardNova Scotia Business Inc handed out awards on May 29th and Stright MacKay was awarded the Nova Scotia Regional Export Achievement Award 2014The Export Achievement Awards celebrate Nova Scotia companies and are presented by Nova Scotia Business Inc., and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. This year's event was hosted at the World Trade and Convention Centre. For more information about the awards, visit: www.exportachievementawards.com

Upgrade for Chester Race Week August 13-16, 2014Chester Race Week is bringing both sailors and race organizers important benefits through its investment in Yacht Scoring, a web-based, race management and scoring system used by some of the competitive sailing world’s top organizations including the 2013 Rolex Farr 40 World Championships, 2014 J/70 World Championships, and Charleston Race Week – the only annual keelboat race week in North America larger than Chester Race Week, based on number of competing boats. Benefits will include:-Real-time online scoring so anyone with a web or wifi connection can see results from the water or dock. Race result reporting will be managed by a trained specialist on the water for all race courses-Instant, direct communication with skippers and crews before, during and after each race via convenient email notice function. Note: Email notificaton is a courtesy service. Official notices will continue to come from race committee boats via traditional flag and horn signals.-Easier, faster online registration and payment service will reduce headaches all around-Handy mobile web sites for smart phones via www.ChesterRaceWeek.com and www.YachtScoring.com/mobile – type “Chester” into List of Events, then bookmark the Chester Race Week 2014 results siteIn addition to Yacht Scoring, Race Week sailors will also appreciate the new www.ChesterRaceWeek.com site that can handle the heavy loads of 1,200 sailors seeking race results, is tablet and smart phone compatible, and makes it easier and more intuitive for sailors to find what they need, quickly.Read full news release at http://www.chesterraceweek.com/media-releases/

Vancouver International Boat Show announces 2015 datesDates for the 2015 Vancouver International Boat Show have been set for January 21 to 25 at BC Place and Granville Island.

AMTA Events

AMTA Annual General Meeting November 6-7, 2014Halifax International Boat Show February 19-22, 2015

AMTA E-News May 28, 2014

Flare DisposalCPS-ECP is excited to announce their partnership with Transport Canada and CIL Dealers to undertake a pilot project on education and awareness of safety equipment, the care and maintenance of that equipment and how to safely and effectively use and dispose of flares.Disposing of expired flares has been an ongoing dilemma for boaters across the country. To help boaters dispose of expired flares in a safe and environmentally responsible manner CPS-ECP and selected CIL Dealers are hosting Safety Equipment Education and Flare Disposal Days. On these days, boaters will be offered the opportunity to learn about required safety equipment and can bring outdated flares to be properly disposed of, free of charge.Want to host a Safety Equipment Education and Flare Disposal Day in 2015? Email John Gullick at jgullick@cps-ecp.caVisit http://bit.ly/safetydays to find out 2014 locations, dates and times of flare drop off.

Transport Canada has new Safe Boating GuideAlthough there is no printed Safe Boating Guide anymore, Transport Canada has reviewed and enlarged the existing guide on-line and produced an excellent new version( TP511E). Dealers are encouraged to distribute the guide to their customers and clients through social media and on web sites. http://bit.ly/hcdnsbguideBoat NotesThe Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC), with support from Transport Canada's Boating Safety Contribution Program, created Boat Notes, an information packed four-fold pamphlet (in English and French) containing critical and pertinent boating safety information.Boat Notes is being made available to boating safety educators, stakeholders and enforcement agencies to pass out to the public through their on water activities. If you would like to order copies for your marine/ marina customers, please visit www.csbc.ca for more details. Alternatively, you could simply alert your boating customers that there is a downloadable PDF copy of Boat Notes on the Canadian Safe Boating Council's website if they would like their own copy immediately.http://www.csbc.ca/index.php/en/component/content/article/45-csbc-articles/328-mini-safe-boating-guide

2014 Tournament Schedule released for New Brunswick Sports Fishing AssociationThe New Brunswick Sport Fishing Association (NBSFA) was founded by Grass roots Bass anglers as a non-profit group dedicated to the protection and promotion of Bass fishing in New Brunswick. Through the hosting of many tournaments throughout the province, The NBSFA promotes continued economic Benefits to their First Nations, Municipalities and corporate partners. Only though the help of these partners are they able to continue their volunteer work insuring that the Bass fishery in New Brunswick is here for generations to come. Check out the 2014 tournament schedule by visiting http://www.nbsportfishing.net

Fast and Furious at the Lunenburg Wooden Boat Reunion July 25-27The legendary skills of Lunenburg shipwrights will be put to the test during the town’s 4th annual Wooden Boat Reunion when teams will be given four hours and a matching collection of materials to build a boat in the all-new Fast and Furious competition. A race of the completed craft is sure to be a highlight of the two-day festival, taking place July 25-27 at the historic port and UNESCO World Heritage Site, as festival-goers watch to see which builder sails away with the title, or simply which boats float! "It should be a really fun event, not only for participants but certainly for spectators," says festival chair Maggie Ostler. Tentatively slated for Sunday, the competition is open to all boat builders – professional and amateur. All materials will be provided. http://lunenburgwoodenboatreunion.com

AMTA E News May 14, 2014

Proposed amendments to the Canadian Small Vessel Regulations

At the spring meeting of the Canadian Marine Advisory Council (CMAC) Transport Canada advised of three proposed amendments. These amendments are in their early stages and much consultation has to be done before submission in 2015.

1. Stand-up paddleboards. The purpose of the proposed amendment is to include regulatory text for stand-up paddleboards under section 220 "Exception for Human Powered Pleasure Craft":If every person on board a paddle boat,a watercycle, a sealed hull, sit-on-top kayak or a stand-up paddle board is wearing a PFD or life jacket of an appropriate size, the paddleboat, watercycle, kayak or stand-up paddleboard is required to carry on-board only the following safety equipmenta. a sound-signalling deviceb. a watertight flashlight if operated after sunset or before sunrise or in periods of restricted visibility2. Pyrotechnic Distress Signals (Flares)The proposed regulatory amendments for this item would involve amendments to Subpart 3, section 213 of the Small Vessel Regulations, General Exceptions for Pleasure Craft, Visual Signals213.(3) For vessels more than 6 metres in length the number of pyrotechnic distress signals in Section 205 may be reduced by 50% for each type required if the vessel is operated within (3) or (5) nautical miles from shore and the vessel is equipped witha) VHF radio operating in a VHF coverage area, orb) if outside VHF radio coverage, radio equipment capable of establishing continuous two way communications with an organization on shore communications, orc)a 406 MHz PLB worn by the vessel operator, ord)a 406 MHz EPIRB

3.Pleasure Craft LicenseThe proposed amendment will remove the word 'update' and would reduce the expiry date of the license from ten to five years.Example Section 106 would read "a pleasure craft license is valid for a period of 5 years beginning on the day on which it is issued, transferred or renewed"; the word updated would be removed.

On-line Pleasure Craft Licensing.Transport Canada informed industry that on-line licensing for the general public has been delayed until 2015. Dealers across Canada continue to process licensing on-line for their customers.

Ready, Set, Wear ItAs a part of North American Safe Boating Awareness Week this year, the fourth annual Ready, Set, Wear It (RSWI) initiative will take place.In Nova Scotia the event is scheduled for 1130 to 1330 on this Thursday, May 15th at Victoria Park in Halifax. Supported by the Canadian Red Cross, Halifax Regional Search and Rescue, Sail Nova Scotia, HRP, the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron, MADD, Canadian Safe Boating Council and Paddle Canada, the event will feature information booths with the key activities starting at noon. Aimed at increasing awareness around the importance of lifejackets and boating safety, RSWI aims to set a new world’s record for the most lifejackets worn and the highest number of inflatable Lifejackets inflated. Last year, 5,774 participants from across six countries (including the USA, Australia, Brazil, Japan and Finland) took part in this event. The RSWI goal is to bring together boating safety educators, marine enforcement officials, politicians, media and the general public around the world to surpass this number. To see a list of events registered across Canada, visit www.readysetwearit.com.

North American Safe Boating Awareness Weekwill take place across Canada from May 17th to May 23rd, 2014.Although boating related fatalities have trended downwards in past years, there continues to be an average of over 100 boating related deaths annually in Canadian waters. With people gearing-up to launch their boats after a long winter slumber, the goal of the week is to continue to bring those numbers down by ensuringthat Canadians who head out in any type of boat have the appropriate knowledge to help them have a safe day on the water.

The purpose of this initiative, managed by the CSBC (Canadian Safe Boating Council) and its partners, is to promote safe and responsible boating practices to the estimated 16 million recreational boaters in Canada.The Safe Boating Awareness Week initiative is promoted by the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC), a registered charity, with support from its members, partners and Transport Canada Office of Boating.For additional information on both the event and boating safety information, please visit www.smartboater.ca and www.csbc.ca

Discounted cost to challenge for Nova Scotia MST Certification Until 1st July, the Province of Nova Scotia's fee to challenge for Marine Service Technician Certification is $143.86 (HST incl.). After 1st July, the Province will charge the standard fee of $719.20 (HST incl.). The fee is payable to the Minister of Finance. If you want to take advantage of this big discount and take the Province’s MST multiple choice exam, you must have at least 12,000 hours’ relevant work experience. Contact chip Dickison at the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association for details on the exam process, or to arrange to challenge the MST exam. nsbatc@eastlink.ca

Wake Restrictions in Halifax HarbourThe Halifax Port Authority would like to remind all boaters in the Halifax Harbour of the following Wake Restrictions.Safe Speed: The Port of Halifax does not have a defined speed limit except in areas so described below. However, Masters are reminded that in accordance with Collision Regulations rule 6, vessels must proceed at a safe speed.In the waters of the Port, safe speed includes a speed at which the wash and wake from the vessel will not cause the risk of damage to property or to the safety of life. Where necessary, a velocity relating to safe speed will be defined by the Port Authority and passed to vessels via MCTS. Notice to Shipping and Notice to Mariners will identify work in progress, and in accordance with the Collision Regulations vessels must proceed at the minimum speed at which the vessel can be kept on her course.Specified Speed Limits within The Port Of HalifaxA speed limit of 6 kts is in effect for the following areas:-Northwest arm - all areas {Take note of the charted “No Wake” zone}-Bedford Basin - within 100 m of any fixed or floating docks, beaches, mooring areas and small craft.Canada's anti spam law takes effect on July 1st.Canada's new anti-spam law was passed in December 2010 and, following a Governor in Council order, it will enter into force on July 1, 2014. Once the law is in force, it will help to protect Canadians while ensuring that businesses can continue to compete in the global marketplace. On January 15, 2015,sections of the Act related to the unsolicited installation of computer programs or software come into force. More information is at www.fightspam.gc.ca

When the new law is in force, it will generally prohibit the:-sending of commercial electronic messages without the recipient's consent (permission), including messages to email addresses and social networking accounts, and text messages sent to a cell phone;-alteration of transmission data in an electronic message which results in the message being delivered to a different destination without express consent;-installation of computer programs without the express consent of the owner of the computer system or its agent, such as an authorized employee;-use of false or misleading representations online in the promotion of products or services;-collection of personal information through accessing a computer system in violation of federal law (e.g. the Criminal Code of Canada); and-collection of electronic addresses by the use of computer programs or the use of such addresses, without permission (address harvesting).

Upcoming Events

AMTA Annual General Meeting November 6-7, 2014

April 11, 2014Training NewsThe Nova Scotia government wants to increase the involvement of industry in apprenticeship training through a new agency. Labour Minister Kelly Regan says the agency would be led by a board of private-sector leaders in changes the government is making to the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act.She says the board would mean closer co-operation between the private sector and the government in developing apprenticeship policies that meet industry’s labour needs.Industry will have greater influence on the types of trades training offered by the Nova Scotia Community College, and students should receive the type of pre-apprenticeship preparation that fits with industry and employer requirements.Regan said other proposed changes would enable the government to enter into agreements with other provinces outside Atlantic Canada to have out-of-province training recognized and give industry more influence in trades training at the Nova Scotia Community College. The government says it will spend $2.6 million to expand apprenticeship training and program development.Nova Scotia Marine Service Technician (MST)Qualified Marine Service Technicians can challenge the Trade Certification for Nova Scotia Marine Technician. Until July 1st 2014, the cost is $143.85 to write the examination. After July 1st, the price reverts to the regular charge of $719.20. There is no legal requirement for a Marine Service Technician to be certified however certification of employees is a great way of advertising that a dealership or boat yard stands behind service work carried out, and does increase employability for Marine Service Technicians. AMTA and the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association have created a booklet with all the necessary information required to apply to challenge the certification. Contact Pat Nelder at AMTA at info@boatinginatlanticcanada.comfor your copy or Chip Dickison at the NSBA at nsbatc@eastlink.ca.

Discover Boating has a new LogoDiscover Boating has updated their logo. The logo is available for you to use. Visit http://www.discoverboating.ca/tools/logos.aspx to downlad the new logo and also to find other useful tools that you can use to help promote your recreational marine business.Webinar: Discover Boating Marketing Campaign on April 22Discover Boating is inviting all industry stakeholders to attend its webinar on Tuesday, April 22, during which Carl Blackwell, president of Discover Boating, will unveil the 2014 marketing campaign.Register today to join the 45-minute webinar covering:

- Content marketing strategy- Unveiling of the new Stories of Discovery series- Enhancements to DiscoverBoating.com - Social media endeavors on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram & Pinterest- Public relations efforts- Plus, an new exciting partnership with a popular country music star!

Date: Tuesday, April 22Time: 2:00 pm EDT / 1:00 pm CSTReserve your spot at http://hd.nmma.org/t/92206/4802657/15391/28/The webinar is open to all industry stakeholders. Space is limited & registration is necessary to join the presentation live on April 22.

An OLN travel series featuring Atlantic Canada scheduled to be filmed in 2014This information was received from Ken LoxtonWe are filming a travel series for OLN Network this summer with Newfoundland & Labrador, PEI, Nova Scotia and other surrounding areas scheduled as one of our stops in our TV series.At this time we are offering select companies the opportunity to promote your business nationally with either TV commercials during this segment or during our show itself. We have limited space available during this one hour segment. If you would like to participate by advertising your company to 100.000-250.000 Canadian households that will view our shows I invite you to contact me for further information and for booking."Paradise Vacations" Television Travel SeriesThe show will highlight amazing travel destinations to vacationing Canadians. With over 35 million people living in Canada and a very large amount that travel yearly this is a great revenue opportunity for those willing to promote their property in our show. Our demographics are as follows... Families, couples, weddings, anniversaries and corporate clients. Target audiences will hit 100.000-250.000 Canadian and US households.The show will air on the Canadian network OLN that hosts such shows as Duck Dynasty, Storage Wars, Mantracker, Survivorman and travel shows like Departure, Descending and Wildthing. Visit OLN.ca to view all network shows.You will also have the option to run a independent commercial during the show. This option will increase potential revenue opportunities.We start filming in Early 2014. If you are interested in participating in the show please contact Executive Producer Ken Loxton at info@kenloxton.com

North American Safe Boating Awareness Week (May 17th-23rd, 2014)Atlantic Canada Launch of Safe Boating WeekMay 15, 2014Victoria Park in Halifax, 11:30-1:30PM for more information go to http://boatinginatlanticcanada.com/The following information was received from Ian Gilson, Boating Safety manager at the Canadian Safe Boating Council. North American Safe Boating Awareness Week has, since 2003, been a key tool reminding boaters of important safe boating-related behaviors at the start of the season. As owners of boat dealerships, marinas or chandlers, NASBAW provides you an opportunity to show your customers that you care about their safety and enjoyment on the water. We’ve got great new campaign materials that will allow you to reach out to your fellow Canadian boaters both directly through your customer communications and through the media.Both Ready Set Wear It and North American Safe Boating Awareness Week provide YOU a great opportunity to kick-off strong sales of safety and other boating equipment by getting people through your doors at the start of the season for fun events. To learn more about this year’s campaign and view the materials that are available copyright free for your use,please visit http://www.csbc.ca/index.php/en/safety-campaigns/safe-boating-awarenss-week/materials We also encourage you to spend some time with our new Volunteer E-Guide at thttp://www.csbc.ca/index.php/en/safety-campaigns/safe-boating-awarenss-week/volunteer-e-guide that provides a step-by-step guide to help you with all your volunteer activities.There’s nothing like the satisfaction that comes from knowing you’re making a difference. Register your 2014 participation now by sending an email with your contact information to sbaw@csbc.ca or contact me directly at 905-719-5152. Together we can make the start of this boating season meaningful and fun while promoting boating safety.North American Safe Boating Awareness Week is promoted by the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC), a registered charity, and its members and partners from all areas of the marine community. It is made possible through financial support provided by Transport Canada’s Office of Boating Safety.

ISLAND OUTDOOR SHOW 2014......COME PLAY ON YOUR ISLAND! The Eastlink Centre (formerly known as the Charlottetown Civic Centre) plays host to the second annual Island Outdoor Show April 25-27,2014!Plan your next adventure here! This Is the Islands Most Inclusive Recreation Show! The region's leading dealers of RV's, Boats, Power Sports products, Campgrounds, Destinations and so much more! for more information contact Scott Sprague atssprague@mpltd.ca or call 902-468-4999http://www.masterpromotions.ca/Previous-Events/island-outdoor-show-2014/

Lewisporte Boat ShowThe Lewisporte Boat and Outdoor Show scheduled to be held on May 9th & 10th, 2014 has been cancelled.

March 7, 2014

AMTA Awards presented at the Halifax International Boat ShowAMTA and sponsors Fairway Insurance, GE Finance and TD Bank hosted the Reception at Exhibition Park. It was well catered by the staff of the facility and pizza and beverages were enjoyed by all. Industry Awards were given to recognize the service to the recreational marine industry to Catherine MacNutt of Master Promotions Ltd who is Manager of Operations for the Halifax International Boat Show and to Brad Fleet,current President of the Atlantic Marine Trades Association and Chair of the Boat Show Committee. The Boat Show recognized Quartermaster Marine on their 30th Anniversary in the recreational marine industry in Atlantic Canada.Moncton Boat Show March 28-30, 2014Show manager Scott Sprague is anticipating a busy Moncton Boat Show. Once again the show combines the boat show with the NB Sportsmen Show and the Dieppe Fly Fishing Forum. AMTA will be hosting the Discover Boating Booth at the show and distributing the Atlantic Boating Guide. www.masterpromotions.ca/Previous-Events/moncton-boat-show-2014/

January 2014 Canadian data cubeWholesale shipments of outboard engines in Canada for NMMA’s control group of manufacturers jumped in January, slowing the R12M pace of decline to down -7.2% YOY. Corresponding dollars were down -6.9% (R12M YOY). Warranty card registrations as a proxy for retail sales were down just slightly (-1.3% R12M YOY), suggesting inventories may be running lean in Canada. Engines 200HP+ continued to be the bright spot, up 24% (R12M YOY at wholesale) while nearly all other powerbands were down, ranging from -2% to -18.9% YOY. For a look at the latest marine data, check out the NMMA Industry Statistics and Research page, www.nmma.org/statistics/default.aspx.

Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Conference well attendedThe NSBA hosted their industry conference at the end of February at the Lord Nelson Hotel in Halifax with international speakers presenting about a variety of topics pertinent to the boat building industry. The Conference is an annual event and open to all members of the marine industry and interested people. www.nsboats.com

Chip Dickison recognized by AMTAChip Dickison is the Training Coordinator for the Nova Scotia Boat Builders Association. For the last five years he has been working on establishing the Nova Scotia Marine Service Technician (MST) Certification. The Certification is now available and qualified Marine Technicians who wish to challenge the Nova Scotia Certification may do so at a very reduced rate until July 1st. AMTA was pleased to present Chip with an award at the recent Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Conference, recognizing the effort that he has put into making the Certification available to industry. For more information about challenging the MST contact Chip at nsbatraining@eastlink.ca or call 902-423-2378

Spirit of Adventure racing the Caribbean CircuitWith the Caribbean 600 under their Belt, Spirit of Adventure with Sprit of Canada's Derek Hatfield and crew of adventurers start the four day Heineken Regatta in St Maarten today. The racing continues with Antigua Race Week the last week of April. For more information about Spirit of Adventure, and Spirit of Canada Ocean Challenges, visit www.spiritofcanada.net

New Name for Nova Scotia's Yachting AssociationSail Nova Scotia is the new name for the former Nova Scotia Yachting Association. The name change falls in line with Sail Canada and other organizations across Canada that have adopted the Sail prefix. Information about Sail Nova Scotia is on their new web site at www.sailnovascotia.ca

The Sinking of the Bounty will have its world broadcast premiere on CBC Television’s Land & Sea on Sunday, March 9, 2014 at 12 NoonIt was a voyage that never should have happened. On October 25 2012, The Bounty left the safety of the harbour in New London, Connecticut and set sail into one of the largest and most destructive hurricanes in U.S. history – Hurricane Sandy. Four days later, the iconic three-masted tall ship, her captain, and one of the crew were lost forever to the Atlantic Ocean.The Sinking of the Bounty is a half hour documentary that tells the story of the vessel’s final tragic voyage, the crew’s struggle to save the ship and then themselves, and the heroic high-seas rescue performed by the United States Coast Guard. The film combines unique footage shot on-board the Bounty with exclusive, first-hand accounts from rescuers and a survivor of this tragic marine disaster. The Sinking of the Bounty was written and directed by award-winning Halifax documentary-maker Geoff D’Eon, best known for his work on This Hour Has 22 Minutes and CBC Television’s Doc Zone and created and produced by Edward Peill from Halifax-based Tell Tale Productions Inc. www.cbc.ca/landandsea.

January 2014

Photo ContestIts back, the Halifax International Boat Show Contest! Remind your clients and customers to submit their great boating photos from 2013 to the contest. All photos are displayed on the show facebook site and during the boat show. Click here for more information

2014 Atlantic Boating Guide The guide has now gone to the printer and copies will be available for the Toronto International Boat Show

Marine Service Technician exam prep workshopThe purpose of the workshop is to provide information to people who have been working full time as marine service technicians, providing service, repair, refit and upgrades to marine vessels, power and sail in the commercial and recreational marine sectors who wish to challenge for a Nova Scotia Marine Service Technician Certificate of Qualification. Those wishing to challenge the MST certification must demonstrate with documentation that they have at least 12,000 or more hours (approximately 6 years) working full time in the full scope of the new trade. Candidates can write the MST certification exam for a special reduced fee of $143.85 until July 1st, 2014. If you would like to arrange a workshop, or need more information, please contact Chip Dickison at the NSBA 902-423-2378 or Pat Nelder at AMTA at 877-595-2682

Nova Scotia Boat Builders Association presents the Nova Scotia Marine Industry Conference, 27th – 28th Feb, 2014 HalifaxRegister now to attend the 2014 Nova Scotia Marine Industry Conference, which takes place at the Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites, Halifax on 27th and 28th Feb. The conference includes a seminar program with many of the speakers featured at IBEX - and an evening industry networking event and reception with an America’s Cup theme. Conference schedule details are available at http://www.nsboats.com/marine-industry-conference-2014

Discover Boating ToolkitLife is better with a boat. Adding Discover Boating's commercials to your website will allow visitors to see just how exciting and fun the boating lifestyle can be, all while making your website more interactive. Discover Boating commercials can be added to your website by accessing the toolkit at DiscoverBoating.ca/tools.Want your product to stand out to customers at an upcoming boat show? Show visitors to your booth how they can become boat owners and get out on the water by next spring! Add complimentary Welcome to the Water window clings and stand-up cards to a window at your dealership or on a boat on the show floor. Adding these clings to a windshield or to stand-up cards on seats of a boat is a great way to show potential customers that particular model can be financed for $250 a month or less. Other promotional materials are also available for industry to order free of charge, including: Welcome to the Water boat windshield clings, window clings and bumper stickers. There are activity-specific varieties available, including fishing, sailing, personal watercraft and water sports. Be sure to order in English or French to take advantage of these assets today! www.discoverboating.ca/toolsMember News

AMTA E-News October 31, 2013AMTA Elects two new Board members at its AGM on October 24thDerek Bennett of the Town of Lewisporte and Blair Gallant of Mercury Marine have joined the AMTA Board of Directors. Returning President of the Association is Brad Fleet of MacDonald Chisolm Trask Insurance, Vice president is Tara Mills of Seamasters Services, Secretary Treasurer is terry Conrad of Conrad Marine Sales and Service and returning Board members are Lee Toole of Stright-MacKay, Jason Craig of Quartermaster Marine, Suzanne Rent of Metro Guide Publishing, Mark Wareham of the Marine Institute of Memorial University and Paul Embrett of Ge Finance. Retiring from the Board is Lester Watton of the Town of Lewisporte

Canadian Border Services AgencyThe CBSA has a new web page for foreign vessels coming into Canada. Questions that have arisen from their new Directive this fall should be answered here. Please review the page at http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/ travel-voyage/fv-be/menu-eng. html

ABYC Electrical CourseThere will be a four-day ABYC Electrical Certification course taking from Monday, December 9th through to Thursday, December 12th, 2013.Facilitated by ABYC, this course is designed for the marine technician with at least three to five years’ experience working with marine electricity. The student also needs some familiarity with ABYC electrical standards.Course Times:Monday, December 9th: 8:30am – 3:30pmTuesday, December 10th: 8:30am – 3:30pmWednesday, December 11th: 8:30am – 3:30pmThursday, December 12th: TBD – ExamCourse Location:Heritage Carpentry Building in Lunenburg, NS.Fees:NSBA Members - $750 + HST = $862.50Non-NSBA Members - $850 + HST = $977.50

Click the link for the course registration form or contact the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association at 902-423-2378 or email nsbatraining@eastlink.cahttp://www.nsboats.com/wp- content/uploads/2011/05/ ABYCMARINEELECTRICALCERTIFICAT ION_Dec13.pdf

Canadian Marine Advisory CouncilAMTA Executive Director Pat Nelder will be attending the Canadian Marine Advisory Council Meeting(CMAC) in Ottawa Nov 5-7.Meetings that will be attended are: The Recreational Boating Standing Committee, Domestic Vessel Regulatory Oversight Standing Committee, and the National Recreational Boating Advisory Council(NRBAC) meeting.

NOAA Announces End of Traditional Paper Nautical ChartsNOAA’s Office of Coast Survey, which creates and maintains the nation’s suite of over a thousand nautical charts of U.S. coastal waters, recently announced major changes ahead for mariners and others who use nautical charts. Starting April 13, the federal government will no longer print traditional lithographic (paper) nautical charts, but will continue to provide other forms of nautical charts, including print on demand charts and versions for electronic charting systems. Since 1862, those lithographic nautical charts -- available in marine shops and other stores -- have been printed by the U.S. government and sold to the public by commercial vendors. The decision to stop production is based on several factors, including the declining demand for lithographic charts, the increasing use of digital and electronic charts, and federal budget realities.NOAA will continue to create and maintain other forms of nautical charts, including the increasingly popular Print on Demand (POD) charts http://www.nauticalcharts. noaa.gov/pod/POD.htm , updated paper charts available from NOAA-certified printers. NOAA electronic navigational charts (NOAA ENC®) and raster navigational charts (NOAA RNC®), used in a variety of electronic charting systems, are also updated weekly and are available for free download from the Coast Survey website. NOAA will also announce a new product; full-scale PDF (Portable Digital Format) nautical charts, available for free download on a trial basis online.http://www. nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/ pdfcharts

Halifax International Boat ShowAMTA and Master Promotions Ltd are pleased to invite you to participate in the 2014 edition of the Halifax International Boat Show. Exhibitors from 2013 have the first opportunity to reserve their previous location with a deadline of Friday, October 18th. Contact Scott Sprague at 902-468-4999 or email ssprague@mpltd.cahttp://www.halifaxboatshow.com

Marine Service Techinician(MST) Information WorkshopsThe purpose of the workshops is to provide information to people who have been working full time as marine service technicians, providing service, repair, refit and upgrades to marine vessels, power and sail in the commercial and recreational marine sectors who wish to challenge for a Nova Scotia Marine Service Technician Certificate of Qualification. Those wishing to challenge the MST certification must demonstrate with documentation that they have at least 12,000 or more hours (approximately 6 years) working full time in the full scope of the new trade. Candidates can write the MST certification exam for a special reduced fee of $143.85 until July 1st, 2014. Click here for dates and times of workshops. For more information please contact Pat Nelder at AMTA 877-595-2682 or Chip Dickison at the NSBA 902-423-2378.Atlantic Boating Guide 2014 Atlantic Boating Guide is Atlantic Canada’s premiere boating guide, offering readers all of the details they need to boat around Atlantic Canada. Inside are boating destinations in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland, along with detailed marina listings and services. The guide includes details on the most popular events in each region along with personal stories and advice from boaters who know Atlantic Canada’s waters the best. Include your message in the only regional boating guide dedicated to sailors and power boaters alike within and visitors to Atlantic Canada. Contact Will Diamond at 902-420-9943 ext 1809 email wdiamond@metroguide.ca for the media kit.Canadian Coast Guard Buoy tending opportunitiesUsing contractors for buoy tending services has proven to be an effective and efficient method of providing aids to navigation without affecting marine safety as evidenced by reliability statistics. Currently, 4,661 buoys are tended by contractors, representing 41% of all CCG buoys. The CCG is looking into increasing the use of contractors for buoy tending services by contracting out approximately 4,000 additional buoys across Canada. There will be Industry Day Sessions across Canada whereby the CCG Project Team will meet with interested parties to discuss the structure and objectives of the contracting-out. For more information and dates of these sessions click hereABYC Electrical Certification Course offered in December 2013 by the NSBAThere will be a four-day ABYC Electrical Certification course taking from Monday, December 9th through to Thursday, December 12th, 2013 in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Facilitator will be Ed Sherman. The course is designed for the marine technician with at least three to five years’ experience working with marine electricity. The student also needs some familiarity with ABYC electrical standards. For more information go to http://www.nsboats.com/trngabycelectrical/Important Industry Dates..Its the start of the season for Boat Shows in the USA and the important start of the Dealer Show circuit in CanadaNewport International Boat ShowSeptember 12 - 15, 2013 Newport, Rhode Island www.newportboatshow.comIBEX 2013September 17-19, 2013 Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, Kentuckyhttp://www.ibexshow.com/Canadian Safe Boating Council 2013 SymposiumSeptember 23 - 25th 2013Hilton Whistler Resort in Whistler B.C.http://www.csbc.ca/42th Annual United States Powerboat ShowOctober 3 - 6, 2013 Annapolis, MDhttp://www.usboat.com/us-powerboat-show/home

British Columbia and Nova Scotia are shaking hands over an agreement to share training resources for Marine Service Technician apprenticeships.

The Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association, based in Halifax, will use training programs developed by Quadrant Marine Institute of Sidney, BC, for a new Marine Service Technician Apprenticeship Program being developed in support of an MST trade recently designated by the Government of Nova Scotia.

Marine Service Technicians repair and maintain pleasure boats, yachts and light commercial vessels. Several AMTA members have already challenged the Certification, and thos interested in Challenging should contact the AMTA office. Click here for full press release

AMTAE-News June 14, 2013

New Discover Boating Materials AvailableDiscover Boating Canada announced an updated event toolkit for industry to take advantage of this summer. "Welcome to the Water" event materials allows your business to increase awareness of your next summer event, and create opportunities for your business by welcoming more people to the boating lifestyle. A key objective for any Welcome to the Water event is to encourage existing boaters/customers to extend a warm invitation to their non-boater friends, so that they can experience a fantastic day on the water, courtesy of you and your organization.These materials, available in both English and French, are designed to add on to your existing events such as Customer Appreciation Days, Open House BBQs, Yacht Club Social Events, etc. Access the toolkit at http://www.discoverboating.ca/tools/eventkit.aspxAdditionally, you can list your Welcome to the Water events on http://www.DiscoverBoating.ca/WelcometotheWater at no cost.

The courses run from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. with an exam given at the end of the session.Pre-registration is required. Please visit website at www.nmea.org to register. Course materials are sent out in advance, sign up early. Course Registration Form http://www.nmea.org/Assets/2013%20course%20registration%20form.pdfMarine Recreational Fishing’s Economic Impact Rivals Commercial Sector in USAA report released by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) makes a powerful case that from an economic perspective, recreational fishing is just as important as commercial fishing, despite a much lower overall impact on the resource. According to the report, anglers landed just two percent of the total saltwater landings compared to ninety-eight percent caught by the commercial fishing industry. However saltwater landings by anglers contributed three times more to the national gross domestic product (GDP, or value-added) than commercial landings. read more at

Show organizers announce registration is now open for the 2013 International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), to be held from September 17-19 at the Louisville Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky, USA. All qualified marine professionals are invited to register for this trade-only event by visiting the new IBEX website. The 2013 IBEX Show offers a full schedule of 75 seminars, presented by industry experts on a variety of subjects vital to the marine trades. Topics range from in-depth looks at specific products; discussions on methods of boat building, repair, surveying, and design; as well as issues of boatyard operation and management. The new IBEX website allows visitors to browse topics and search by area of interest. This year, each seminar has its own page with details, pictures, and videos, so attendees can have a deeper understanding of the subject matter before the conference, and make informed decisions about which professional development opportunities are right for them. http://www.ibexshow.com/

AMTAE-News May 14, 2013

Advocacy DayOn May 1st, AMTA Executive Director joined the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Recreational Boating Day on the Hill. It was an opportunity to present the recently completed Canadian Recreational Boating Economic Impact Studey (EIS) and affirm the significant revenues, nearly $9 billion, generated by the core businesses of recreational boating. The group which was split into several teams met with several Members of Parliament from across Canada, promoting the substantial value of our industry and to discuss issues specific to the various regions.The team that AMTA was in also had the representatives from the Mid Canada Dealers Association and Yamaha Motors Canada. The team visited MPs Sean Casey and Wayne Easter from PEI and Merv Tweed from Manitoba. Atlantic Canada information from the Economic Impact Study were presented to the PEI MPs. According to the new EIS, despite having only 5% of the Canadian population, Atlantic Canada has 12% of the Boating Industry in Canada. The brand new Recreational Boating Economic Impact Study will ready for distribution at the beginning of June 2013.

Plan Webinar: Discover Boating Canada's 2013 Marketing Plan - May 23rd, 2013 Reserve your space today.As Discover Boating Canada launches our 2013 summer marketing campaign, we invite you to join this all-industry webinar on May 23, 2013. This 30 minute webinar will provide a look at the marketing efforts on tap for the busy boating months ahead, including online advertising, social media, and public relations. Sign up to take part and learn more about how you and your staff can get involved in the industry-wide movement to welcome more people to the water. Date: May 23, 2013 Time: 2PM - 2:30PM EDTClick the link to reserve your spot. https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/948164328

PM announces support for innovation in Atlantic CanadaMay 14, 2013Summerside, Prince Edward IslandPrime Minister Stephen Harper today announced support for three projects in Prince Edward Island under the Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF), which will promote jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue and Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).“Our Government is committed to helping innovators in Atlantic Canada succeed,” said Prime Minister Harper. “The support being announced today will help innovative companies in Prince Edward Island bring their cutting-edge products, processes, technologies and services to market, generating jobs and economic growth.”New support being provided under AIF will help BioVectra Inc. develop two generic drugs employing sustained-release delivery technology and Delivra Inc. to develop more effective topical creams to relieve joint pain and improve circulation. AIF support will also help Island Abbey Foods Ltd. research and develop ways to use innovative dehydrated honey to deliver a broad range of therapeutic products. All three companies are in Charlottetown.

Safe Boating Awareness Week promoted by the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC)Once again, the campaign's goal is to remind recreational boaters to boat safely this season and to keep top of mind five key messages:Wear a LifejacketDon't Drink & BoatTake a Boating CourseBe Prepared - Both You and Your VesselBe Aware of the Dangers of Cold Water ImmersionCanadian Tire Corporation is partnering with the CSBC in support of Safe Boating Awareness Week. They are displaying signage promoting the campaign's key messaging in each of their 488 stores nation-wide.Recreational Boating Safety Improves in USAThe U.S. Coast Guard released its 2012 Recreational Boating Statistics Monday, revealing that boating fatalities that year totaled 651, the lowest number of boating fatalities on record. From 2011 to 2012, deaths in boating-related accidents decreased from 758 to 651, a 14.1 percent decrease; injuries decreased from 3,081 to 3,000, a 2.6 percent reduction; and the total reported recreational boating accidents decreased from 4,588 to 4,515, a 1.6 percent decrease.The fatality rate for 2012 of 5.4 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels reflected a 12.9 percent decrease from the previous year’s rate of 6.2 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels. Property damage totaled approximately $38 million.More information is a available at http://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident_statistics.aspx

AMTA E-News April 12, 2013

April always seems to be the cruelest month for the boating business! Nature has a way of stopping the process of spring commissioning with storms and colder than expected weather. Lets hope that when the storm expected this evening clears off it will be the beginning of the boating season! Prince Edward Island is celebrating April with their first ever Island Outdoor Show April 19-21 in Charlottetown. Find out more

Advocacy Day AMTA's Executive Director will be taking part in the 2013 Advocacy Day. Last year’s Recreational Boating Day on Parliament Hill was a great success, and NMMA will head to Ottawa again this year on April 30th and May 1st 2013. One of the core functions of NMMA is to advocate on behalf of its members and the recreational boating industry. This event will help raise our industry’s profile with our Members of Parliament and Senators and senior officials from key departments including Transport Canada and Industry Canada. The event provides an opportunity for the recreational boating industry to tell our story to our country’s decision makers and put recreational boating in the spotlight. It is part of the building blocks required to continue to address issues that impact our industry such as trade barriers, access to water and tourism development. Working with the government to address such issues helps keep boaters enjoying the water and introducing more people to boating while ensuring we maintain a healthy Canadian manufacturing climate for our members. NMMA looks forward to another successful Recreational Boating Day on the Hill in 2013.

RCMP in Nova Scotia to collect expired marine flares The RCMP is hosting a Marine Flare collection program to safely dispose of expired marine flares. Federal Regulations require all vessels to carry marine flares in case of an emergency. Marine flares have an expiry date and can become a safety and environmental hazard if left for a period of time or wash up on our shores. Starting May 13-17, 2013, recreational/private boaters are asked to bring their expired flares to their local RCMP Detachment from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The flares will be disposed of in a manner that is safe for everyone.More info

NMMA Canada's Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract The 2011-2012 NMMA Canadian Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract is now available to order and/or download. The abstract is the most complete collection of facts and figures available for the marine industry in Canada. It is available for download or as a DVD. Member companies are allowed one free download for non-commercial distribution. It is $225 per additional copy for members and $750 for non-members. Contact Sara Anghel Maryland legislature passes vessel tax cap The Maryland General Assembly voted Monday to cap the tax at $15,000 for three years, a move the industry says will help keep more vessels in Maryland and create more jobs. The bill just needs to be signed by Gov. Martin O’Malley to take effect. “It makes Maryland competitive with other states on the East Coast,” George Dunigan, president of the Marine Trades Association of Maryland told Boating Industry. Read more

Mustang Survival sold to Safariland Group Burnaby-based Mustang Survival, the pioneering designer of ocean survival suits and other marine safety gear branded with its iconic sea horse logo, has been sold. Mustang announced earlier this week that the company, founded in 1967 by Irv Davies, inventor of the “Floater Coat,” is being sold to Jacksonville, Fla.-based Safariland Group. Mustang has more than 400 employees in Canada and the U.S.Read more

Yanmar Group Purchases Vetus Global marine engine and equipment manufacturer, Yanmar Group, has acquired Netherlands based marine equipment producer, VETUS. VETUS, which manufactures boat equipment systems in-house for pleasure craft and small commercial vessels, is owned entirely by Yanmar. The company will retain its brand name and current business line, including engines. Yanmar says it hopes the acquisition will strengthen its footprint in the marine industry. Brands of the VETUS Group, Maxwell and Marex, will also help Yanmar strengthen its presence in the sail and powerboat markets, as well as the superyacht industry.Read More

Canadian Yachting now offering Atlantic Canada monthly digital newletterThe monthly newsletter contains short editorials of interest to Atlantic Canadian Boaters. Include a sign up onyour company website by including this link: Banner advertising is available. Contact Greg Nicholl at if you have editorial or want to advertise.Canadian Yachting is published by Adastra Media Inc. - Their complete line of marine platforms includes: • Canadian Yachting • cdnyachting-digital.com • canadianyachting.ca • Boating Industry Canada • boatingindustry-digital.com • boating industry.ca • Boating Industry Canada Newsweek

Moncton Boat and Sportsman Show a SuccessAccording to show organizers, Master Promotions Ltd, attendance at the Boat and Sportsman show held March 15-17 was up over 12% and broke the 10,000 mark during the course of the three day event. Saturday attendance was outstanding and the atmosphere almost electric in the Moncton Coliseum. Exhibitors reported brisk sales with many solid leads to follow up on before the 2013 boating season officially begins. AMTA hosted a Discover Boating Centre at the event.

Semi Annual Canadian Marine Advisory Council MeetingThe national meeting of the Canadian Marine Advisory Council (CMAC) will convene in Ottawa from April 23 to 25, 2013.Meeting will take place at the “Old City Hall” located at 111 Sussex Drive in Ottawa. The meeting will commence with Opening Plenary at 09:30 hours on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 and conclude at 16:30 hrs on Thursday, April 25, 2013. For more information visit http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/rsqa-cmac-menu-826.htm

National and International Sailing Championships sponsored by Highliner FoodsHigh Liner Foods of Lunenburg, N.S. has announced the company will be the title sponsor for two important sailing regattas coming to Nova Scotia. The Mobility Cup will be returning to Nova Scotia in 2013 and the International Association for Disabled Sailing (IFDS) will hold its world championships in Halifax in 2014.The 2013 High Liner Mobility Cup is Canada’s national regatta for sailors with disabilities. “ It’s gratifying that High Liner Foods has chosen to support two important disabled sailing events hosted in Nova Scotia – one national event and one world championship event.“ says Mobility Cup chair Michael Archibald. “We at the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron as host of these prestigious regattas are happy to be associated with a company that has a long-standing maritime heritage in Nova Scotia with a global presence.”The chair of the IFDS event, Heather Robertson, says, “Without the generous support of our title sponsor High Liner Foods, we could not afford to host this major sporting event. We rely on the corporate sector to assist us in making our province a premiere destination for competitive international yacht racing". RNSYS is the home club of Paul Tingley who won a gold medal in the 2.4mR class at the 2008 Beijing Summer Paralympics and a World Championship in 2010.High Liner Foods is the leading North American processor and marketer of prepared, value added frozen seafood.

July 21 2013 will be the launch of the Charles W. Morgan at Mystic Seaport in Connecticut.The National Historic Landmark former whaling ship has been undergoing a comprehensive restoration since November 2008. She will be launched and returned to the water in a public ceremony that begins at 2 p.m. Ric Burns, a documentary film maker will give the key-note address.“We are honored to have Ric Burns serve as the keynote speaker at our launch ceremony,” Mystic Seaport president Steve White said in a statement. “His extensive knowledge of American history and the role whaling plays in it will help us articulate the importance of the Charles W. Morgan in our nation’s maritime experience.”The Morgan is the oldest American commercial ship still in existence. The 113-foot vessel was built and launched in New Bedford, Mass., in 1841 and had a whaling career that lasted 80 years and 37 voyages that spanned the far reaches of the globe. The ship came to Mystic Seaport in 1941. More than 20 million people have walked her decks since she arrived.The launch is a key milestone in her restoration, which has been carried out at the Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard at the museum. Once the boat is back in the water, work will continue with the installation of her spars and rigging, additional interior carpentry and preparation for her 38th voyage, which will begin in May 2014.

Now that the Halifax International Boat Show has finished, spring can officially begin!

Boat Dealers and marine retailers supported the show in a big way this year, with new boat lines, new equipment and great deals. Good weather meant that the show had a record breaking attendance day on Saturday and the other days were very steady as well with thousands flocking to Exhibition Park.“The buzz on the floor was fantastic,” said Show Manager Scott Sprague. “The excitement about the upcoming boating season coupled with the new line of boats debuting and great sales activity made this event one to remember,” said Sprague.Exhibitors reported solid sales figures with many leads to follow up on in the coming months. Marine Chandleries also reported brisk sales.Leading up to the show, boaters sent in their entries to the photo contest portraying the boating lifestyle in Atlantic Canada which were displayed at the show. This was extremely popular this year and all of the entries were fantastic. The winner of the competition was Megan White with her photo 'Look out for that Wave', second was Stephanie Austin with her photo 'Raft up on Grand Lake, New Brunswick' and third was Stephen Sharpe's 'Gracie at the Helm' .In the seminar room, boaters wishing to sail south were mentored by Rob MacLeod of Informedboater.com, racers took advantage of Tristran's Story of UK Sail's Racing Rules presentation and Sandy MacMillan of North Sails Atlantic packed the room with his navigation for IPhone and IPad presentation.Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation entertained children and adults with their saltwater touch tank, and radio station Q104 made sure that everyone coming in the door knew about the fantastic door prize of boat motor and trailer won by Paul Gaetz of Chezzetcook, Nova Scotia.

It was all such a good time that organizers are already actively planning for 2014. Stay tuned to www.Halifaxboatshow.com for all the exciting details!

AMTA Industry Awards, February 21, 2013

AMTA honoured the contribution that Arthur McNeil had made to the Industry for the past 33 years. David St Laurent of Mercury Marine spoke about Arthur to the large crowd of Atlantic Canada marine dealers.In Photo: David St Laurent, Sales Manager of Mercury Marine in Canada and Pat Nelder, Executive Director of AMTA

Cindy Bradette Photo

Suzanne Rent of Metro Guide Publishing Received the 2013 Service to the Marine Industry Award.In Photo from left to right, Scott Sprague, Show Manager of Halifax International Boat Show, Suzanne Rent, Editor at Metro Guide Publishing and Pat Nelder

Stright-MacKay was recognized for 65 years in the Marine Industry.In Photo from right to left; Nigel Poirier of Stright Mackay, Eric Maldre of Stright Mackay,Pat Nelder, AMTA and Brad Fleet, President of AMTA.

Cindy Bradette Photo

Mermaid Marine was recognized for 40 years in the Industry

In Photo from left to right,: Ron Savidant of Mermaid Marine, Pat Nelder, AMTA and Brad Fleet, President of AMTA.

Cindy Bradette Photo

Innovation in Boats and Boat Building, March 7th and 8th 2013

The Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association Marine Industry Conference takes place at the Lord Nelson Hotel in downtown Halifax, on March 7th and 8th, 2013. Five internationally-renown speakers – all of whom were featured at the recent IBEX 2012 – will be talking on topics ranging from new and emerging marine electrical technologies to the design and construction of lightweight plywood boats. Visit www.nsboats.com for registration and information

New personnel at Mercury Marine for Atlantic Canada

Mercury Marine has announces their most recent hires representing the Sales and Service Business in Altantic Canada for Mercury Marine.

Mr. Blair Gallant has joined the company in the position of Business Development Manager reporting to David St Laurent, and Mr. Stewart Laflamme as Technical Account Manager reporting to Gary Coleman, National Service Manager. Blair brings with him over twenty years of experience in the retail / wholesale power sports industry and has been with several top companies, such as Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. and Campion Marine. Stewart has been in the retail marine industry for almost 30 years and most recently

Here is the Seminar and Panel discussion final schedule! This year we have a few different presentations including our Olympian panel discussion with Danielle Dube, Sandy MacMillan and Brian Todd, a presentation about coastal erosion with Josh Caines, and information about the brand new 'Race the Cape'. See the schedule here.

Halifax International Boat Show Show Guide for 2013Metro Publishing's Jeff Green would like to remind exhibitors that the deadline for placing an ad in the guide isWednesday, January 9th. Contact Jeff at jgreen@metroguide.ca or phone: 902-420-9943 ext 253

Mermaid Marine celebrating 40 years in businessWith the arrival of 2013, Charlottetown, PEI-based Mermaid Marine Products will be celebrating its 40th anniversary.In recognition of the milestone, the company will be giving away a $20,000 grand prize to one of its dealers. The winning dealer will have its choice of either a Harley Davidson motorcycle, car or camper trailer. “We'd like to reward our customers, some of whom have been doing business with us for 40 years,” explains Patrick Villeneuve, Mermaid Marine Products' President, who has been with the company since 1983. “There will also be other prizes presented throughout the year such as iPads, gift cards and other items.” Dealers earn ballots for the contest each time they place an order with the company. There will be additional opportunities to earn extra ballots at Mermaid's October 18 dealer show through contest specials. Mermaid will also draw the grand prizewinner at the event. www.mermaidmarine.com

Toronto International Boat ShowThe first Canadian Boat Show of the season starts January 11th with a special preview night and continues until Jan 20th 2013. Atlantic Canadian based companies and members of AMTA making the trek from ur region to the show to exhibit are: Michele Stevens Sailloft, Stright Mackay and The Binnacle. Many of AMTA's national members are taking part. AMTA wishes all a wonderful show! www.torontoboatshow.com

Marine Service TechnicianNow that Nova Scotia has accepted Marine Service Technician as a Trade, work is ongoing to create the Trade with its occupational profile. The Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association and AMTA along with Nova Scotia's Apprenticeship Training have developed a timeline to put the Trade in place. If any member would like to have more information about this process, please contact the AMTA office 877-595-2682 .

Atlantic Boating GuideThe 2013 Edition has gone to the printers and will be ready for the Toronto International Boat Show. The 2013 edition has been well supported with advertising, and looks GREAT! Thanks to all who have made this happen.

New Web site for AMTAYes it has finally happened! Evidently the 'switch' will be pulled to make our new web site LIVE very soon. AMTA has purchased maritimeboating.ca which is the Marinas and Destinations guide developed by Eclipse Media. Eclipse will now host the Atlantic Boating Guide, our AMTA home page boatinginatlanticcanada.com and Halifax International Boat Show, halifaxboatshow.com. An email will be sent out to let you know as soon as the new site is on-line.

Halifax International Boat Show Photo ContestDon't forget that we are looking for your client's photos for our 2013 photo contest. Go to www.halifaxboatshow.com for the entry form. Photos should showcase the Atlantic Canada Boating lifestyle

Halifax International Boat Show and AMTA membershipPlease note that members wishing to receive a space rebate for their space at the Halifax International Boat Show must have their 2013 AMTA membership paid prior to December 31, 2012 and must adhere to the payment schedule set by Master Promotions for show space. Membership packages have been sent to existing members. If you wish to become a member, 2013 information and application form can be downloaded atwww.boatinginatlanticcanada.com

December 5, 2012

AMTA Elects new Board members

The Atlantic Marine Trades Association held its Annual General Meeting and Conference on November 22nd at the Saraguay House in Halifax. Great presentations were received from Tracey Hart, Program manager of Discover Boating, Richard Straka of GE Capital and Chip Dickison, Training Coordinator of the Nova Scotia Boat Builders Association. Brad Fleet continues as President of the Association for his second year, Terry Conrad of Conrad Marine and Mark Wareham of the Memorial University's Marine Institute joined existing Board members Lee Toole of Stright Mackay, Tara Mills of Seamasters Seapro Services, Jason Craig of Quartermaster Marine, Suzanne Rent of MetroGuide Publishing, Lester Watton of the Town of Lewisporte and Paul Embrett of GE Finance. Chris Shaw of the Binnacle retired from the Board after being a member for the past three years. Other retired Board 2012 members are Arthur McNeil from Mercury Marine, Rick Lingley of BRP and Blair Patey formerly of Shining Waters. Many thanks to all that volunteer their time and effort for the Association.

Halifax International Boat Show 2013 Photo Contest

Click the link to download the new entry form. Please encourage your customers to enter this contest. Photos get displayed at the Boat Show and there are prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Photos should showcase the boating lifestyle!

Those present at the AMTA Conference AGM were treated to a presentation by GE's Richard Straka. You can view his presentation; Strategic Marine Industry. Review by clicking the link. Please note that it is a big file and may take a while to load. Strategic review 2012